—You know, I've seen you do a thousand crazy things since we were kids, but this time you've really crossed the line.
Ekko let out a long sigh. No matter how hard he tried to reason with her, he knew he'd never succeed. Still, he had to try.
—Tell me you at least warned Silco and Vander before making the prototype.
—When you're going to change the world, you don't ask anyone's permission!
—Powder replied, a spark of pride shining in her eyes.
Ekko couldn't help but smile as he watched her imitate her mentor. He knew he'd probably have to endure an hour-long lecture from Silco about the importance of safety in inventions, but it was worth it just to see her so full of life.
—Besides,— Powder continued, —it's been a while since we've had any "incidents."
Now she mimicked Silco's voice, gesturing exaggeratedly as he usually did when scolding them.
—Oh, really? What about last week, when your "Robopainter" exploded in The Last Drop and covered all the customers in paint?
—That was an old version! —Powder protested, crossing her arms. —And anyway, it was Vander's fault for not maintaining it properly.
—Is it also Silco's fault that the lanterns shaped like firelights always show the wrong colors?
Powder burst out laughing and gave him a light punch on the arm. —That doesn't count! Even if it wasn't intentional, I admit it makes things more fun. Sometimes, Ekko, life just needs a little more color.
Ekko pretended the punch hurt, smiling, which Powder took as an opportunity to grab his skateboard.
—Silco's going to kill me if he sees you on that thing —Ekko warned, closing his eyes.
—That's why he doesn't need to know —she replied with a mischievous smile, turning on the hoverboard. —Relax a bit, Ekko.
—You're truly hopeless… You know he'll find out about this and your "Luminas."
—Everyone will know about them when they're finished.
Ekko had barely said goodbye to Powder when he got the call he'd been dreading.
—I imagine I don't need to explain why I asked you to come, Ekko.
Cold sweat ran down his back as he entered Silco's office. The room's dim lighting didn't help calm his nerves.
—No, sir, it's just that I'd like to explain that…
—There's no need to justify yourself, boy.
Silco smiled calmly at him, but it didn't reassure Ekko at all. With a gesture, he motioned for him to sit in front of him. Ekko obeyed, feeling like he was under a microscope.
—You know, Ekko, in a way, you remind me of when Vander and I were young. We were full of ideas but, above all, ideals. We had a strong desire to improve life in the Undercity. However, I must admit your talent and intelligence have been more useful to our brothers than anything Vander and I ever did in our time.
Silco paused for several seconds, further tensing Ekko.
—Unfortunately, the only thing in the world that matters more to me than Zaun's progress is Powder's safety and happiness.
Silco's smile turned from friendly to something more menacing. Ekko swallowed hard. —I know, sir! It's just that many times she doesn't lis…
Silco stood up, interrupting him. —Boy, I think we both know Powder can be a bit… particular.
Ekko quickly nodded. —But I trust that you're capable of keeping my daughter from risking her life playing on a flying skateboard. —Yes, sir!
—I trust you, boy.
Silco patted him lightly on the back, his face regaining its friendliness. Ekko, however, couldn't shake the feeling that the weight of all Zaun had just fallen on his shoulders.
—She's going to be the death of me… —Ekko muttered to himself as he left the office.
—Cheer up, man! You know Silco's only worried about Powder.
Claggor handed Ekko a drink, who kept rubbing his temples, trying to relax. —Yeah, Ekko, have you seen Powder trying to ride your skateboard? —Mylo chimed in with a teasing smile.
Ekko rolled his eyes, trying to ignore him.
—I know they're worried about her, but so am I.
—We know, Ekko, but you have to understand that for Silco and Vander, Powder is the most important thing there is —Claggor said calmly.
—Claggor's right —Mylo crossed his arms. —Even we can't help but worry sometimes.
—But I'm the one who's always there every time she comes up with a crazy new idea! I'm the one who has to convince her to "prioritize safety" while she ignores me. I'm the one who's always there whenever she has an accident in her lab, taking care of her and then dealing with Vander and Silco.
Ekko raised his voice, something rare for him, surprising his friends. —And the worst part is that everyone acts like she's only important to them. And you know what? She's important to me too. She's the most important thing in my… —Ekko stopped, realizing he'd said too much.
—Who's so important to you, Ekko? —Powder's voice broke his train of thought. Ekko turned to see Powder with a mischievous smile on her face. —She must be really lucky to be so important to Zaun's "prodigy."
Powder slung her arm around Ekko's shoulder, leaning on him while he tried to hide the blush spreading across his face. —Powder, I…
Powder pinched Ekko's cheeks before he could reply. —I don't like seeing you upset, let alone taking it out on them when it's my fault. So this time, I'll listen to you, okay? And as for you two, give us a moment alone.
Claggor dragged Mylo away before he could say anything. —Now that they're gone, are you going to tell me who's so important to you?… —Powder pulled up a chair to sit next to Ekko and steal a sip of his drink.
—You, Pow… you're the most important thing I have.
Powder was surprised, a deep blush appearing on her face. She was used to Ekko changing the subject when he was embarrassed. —I've told you only to call me that when we're alone…
—We're alone now.
—Yes! But… I wasn't ready.
Powder began to fiddle with her hair. Ekko took her hand with a nervous smile. No matter how many times they'd been in similar situations, he could never control his heart when it came to her.
—Back to what we were talking about earlier, I already spoke with Silco. I promise he won't bother you again.
—He doesn't bother me… I know he's protective of you… it's just that I wish, I don't know, that everyone knew that I also… care about you.
Ekko turned away, embarrassed.
—I know — Powder rested her head on Ekko's shoulder, who finally allowed his body to relax with the contact of the blue-haired girl.
—And that's the most important thing.
The roar of the Luminas chasing Mylo echoed through the narrow alleys of Zaun. Mylo ran like never before, dodging boxes and corners as the small flying lanterns relentlessly pursued him.
—Powder, is it normal for Luminas to do that?! —Claggor shouted, trying to catch up as he dodged one of the lanterns that veered in his direction.
Powder placed a hand on her chin, as if evaluating the "behavior" of her creations.
—Mmmm... no —she admitted, shrugging. —But at least they light up properly, right?
Ekko merely sighed as he helped put out one of the Luminas that had crashed into a wall.
One of the lanterns stopped chasing Mylo and instead slowly headed toward a dark alley. The group followed the trail of light until they found something that froze them in place: a brown-haired girl, shivering from the cold as she sat by a trash can.
—Are you okay? —Powder asked, carefully approaching and taking the little girl's hands. The girl barely reacted, her face marked by fear and exhaustion.
—Ekko... —Powder whispered, seeking support from her friend.
—Don't worry little one, we'll do something —Ekko replied, bending down to wrap his coat around the girl. —It's okay, little one, everything will be alright.