Arcane: Ekko and Powder

The echoes of the battlefield still lingered in the air, but within the Firelights' central compound, life carried on. The once-abandoned industrial space had been transformed into a thriving hub of activity. Makeshift sparring rings, weapon racks, and training dummies dotted the area as Firelights sharpened their skills.

Ekko stood shirtless in one of the rings, beads of sweat trailing down his toned muscles as he squared off against Vander. The older man was a mountain of raw strength, his movements deceptively quick for his bulk. Ekko shifted his weight from foot to foot, his eyes locked on Vander's stance.

"Stop bouncing so much," Vander said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "You're telegraphing that you're ready to move. Makes it too easy for someone like me to anticipate your next step."

Ekko smirked. "And yet, you still haven't landed a hit on me."

Vander chuckled, his hands coming up in a defensive stance. "Cocky, aren't you? Let's see if you're still smiling after this."

He lunged forward, his massive fist aiming for Ekko's midsection. Ekko sidestepped gracefully, using his smaller frame to his advantage, but Vander was already anticipating the move. He pivoted on his heel, his other arm sweeping toward Ekko in a crushing arc.

Ekko ducked just in time, rolling away and springing to his feet. He was fast—faster than most—but Vander's experience made him a formidable opponent.

Around the ring, the other Firelights were sparring in pairs or small groups. Powder, clad in light training gear, was circling Mylo with a mischievous grin. Mylo was already drenched in sweat, clearly struggling to keep up with her darting movements.

"Hold still, will you?" Mylo huffed, throwing a wild jab that Powder easily dodged.

"Why would I do that?" she teased, countering with a quick jab to his ribs. Mylo let out an exaggerated groan, clutching his side.

Claggor, watching from the sidelines, burst into laughter. "Come on, Mylo! You can't let Powder show you up like that."

"Shut up, Claggor!" Mylo snapped, though there was no malice in his tone.

Across the compound, Vi was sparring with several Firelights at once, her punches and kicks landing with bone-rattling force. She moved like a storm, her years of experience in the undercity brawls evident in every strike.

Back in the ring, Vander and Ekko continued their sparring match. Vander feinted to the left before throwing a quick jab to the right, catching Ekko off guard. The blow landed against Ekko's shoulder, sending him stumbling back a few steps.

"Gotcha," Vander said with a grin.

Ekko rubbed his shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright, old man. I'll give you that one."

"Don't just rely on speed," Vander said, his tone serious. "It's a great advantage, but against someone stronger, it won't always save you. Sometimes, you've got to take the hit and use it to your advantage."

Ekko nodded, absorbing the advice. Vander stepped forward, raising his hands again. "Come on. Again."

This time, Ekko approached with a different strategy. He feinted left, drawing Vander's attention, before darting to the right and aiming a kick at Vander's leg. The older man blocked it with ease, but Ekko was already spinning into another move, his fist aiming for Vander's side.

The blow connected, though it didn't have much force behind it. Vander grunted in approval. "Better. You're thinking ahead now."

As the sparring session continued, Ekko found himself lost in the rhythm of the fight. Each move, each counter, felt like a dance—a balance of strength, speed, and strategy. Vander's gruff voice guided him, pointing out weaknesses in his form and offering tips to improve.

By the time they called for a break, Ekko was drenched in sweat but grinning from ear to ear. Vander clapped him on the shoulder. "You've got potential, kid. Just don't let that head of yours get too big."

Ekko laughed. "No promises."

Nearby, Powder had just finished her sparring match with Mylo, who was now sprawled on the ground, gasping for air. She walked over to Ekko, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Having fun with your new mentor?" she teased, gesturing to Vander.

"More like getting my ass handed to me," Ekko admitted, though he didn't seem too upset about it.

Powder grinned. "Good. Maybe now you'll stop showing off all the time."

"Me? Show off?" Ekko feigned innocence, earning a playful shove from Powder.

The sparring sessions weren't just about improving their combat skills; they were about building trust and camaraderie among the Firelights. Each punch thrown and dodged was a reminder that they were in this fight together—that Zaun and Piltover's future depended on their unity and strength.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the compound in a warm orange glow, the Firelights gathered for a brief moment of respite. Vander handed out water bottles while Claggor distributed food.

Ekko sat with Powder, leaning against one of the makeshift barricades. He glanced around at his comrades, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the setting sun.

"We've come a long way," he said quietly.

Powder nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah. And we've got a long way to go."

Ekko reached over, taking her hand in his. "But we'll get there. Together."

As the Firelights finished their meals and began to wind down for the evening, Ekko's mind wandered back to the shadowy crow that had taken Ambessa. The memory sent a chill down his spine.

He glanced at Vander, who was speaking with Vi on the other side of the compound. Vander's strength and wisdom were invaluable, but Ekko knew they would need more than brute force to face the challenges ahead.

Turning to Powder, he said, "We need to step up our game. Not just with training, but with planning. Whatever's coming... it's going to be big."

Powder nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Then we'd better be ready."

With that, the Firelights began to prepare for the battles yet to come, their resolve stronger than ever.