The Heart of the Festival
After Ekko, Powder, and Lux reported the discovery of the bunker to Jarvan IV, the prince quickly took action. A dozen of his finest guards were dispatched to secure the site, their silvery armor glinting under the pale winter sun. The bunker, with its rusted doors and cryptic inscription, was an enigma, but Jarvan’s steady leadership brought some semblance of reassurance.
As for the mysterious purple gem, Powder had taken it upon herself to keep it safe. It now rested in a metal box in her room at the old garage. The box was secured with a three-digit combination lock. She set the combination to a number she’d never forget: 937, the same code that Silco used for his safe.
But the tension surrounding the bunker was momentarily eclipsed by the excitement for the annual Kalstead Festival, set to take place in just a week. Kalstead buzzed with life as preparations began for its annual festival—the first for many of the group who now called this city home. The streets were filled with laughter, music, and the clatter of wooden carts carrying vibrant flowers and decorations. Stalls were being set up, colorful lanterns hung from trees, and children ran about, their excitement contagious. Powder, ever the spark of energy, stood atop a rickety wooden box in the town square, a crowd of children and teenagers gathered eagerly around her.
"Alright, everyone!" Powder called out, her voice commanding yet playful. "This is my first festival here, so let's make it the grandest of all time! Who’s with me?"
A cheer erupted from the group, their enthusiasm lighting up the square. Powder beamed, her signature wild grin spreading across her face. The energy in the air felt electric, as if everyone, young and old, was ready to pour their hearts into making Kalstead's festival unforgettable.
At the edge of the crowd, Vi stood with her arms crossed, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. She watched Powder’s antics with a mix of amusement and pride, her sharp eyes scanning the excited group of kids who hung on Powder’s every word. Beside her, Caitlyn leaned against a lamppost, her composed demeanor softening as she observed the joy Powder seemed to ignite in the crowd. Her gaze lingered on the wild-haired girl for a moment before shifting to the colorful streamers and decorations being strung across the square.
Ekko, standing nearby, couldn’t help but smile. Though he stayed quiet, the way his eyes crinkled with warmth spoke volumes. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, but he leaned forward ever so slightly, as though the energy Powder exuded was drawing him in. He glanced over at Vi and Caitlyn briefly, catching Vi’s smirk and Caitlyn’s faintly amused expression, before his gaze returned to Powder.
Ravenhurst and Kalstead city had become a kaleidoscope of life, sound, and color. Everywhere, people were working together to prepare for the annual festival. The streets were lined with vibrant murals, hand-painted by Ekko and the younger kids, who had thrown themselves into their work with infectious energy. Ekko, with paint smeared across his cheek, guided them as they painted a sprawling design of glowing constellations that seemed to dance under the sunlight. Beside him, Lux knelt, her hands covered in glittering blue paint as she carefully filled in the delicate details of a shooting star. Her golden hair shimmered in the light, a contrast to the earthy tones of the mural.
Nearby, Garen worked alongside Vi and others in hauling heavy supplies for the festival stalls. His towering presence and strength made the task look effortless, but he never hesitated to lend a hand to the younger ones struggling with their loads. Vi, sweat dripping from her forehead, smirked as she carried a beam alongside him, her competitive nature flashing through when she managed to keep up with his relentless pace.
On the main square, Jarvan IV oversaw security, his armor gleaming in the sunlight as he coordinated with guards stationed around the town. His piercing gaze swept over the bustling streets, ensuring that the festivities unfolded without trouble. Though he carried himself with royal authority, there was a quiet satisfaction in his expression as he watched the townspeople come together, united by purpose and joy.
Caitlyn was stationed nearby, organizing the logistics of the festival with her usual precision. She was surrounded by maps, checklists, and a steady stream of townsfolk seeking her guidance. Despite the flurry of activity, she remained calm and composed, issuing orders with a quiet confidence that inspired those around her.
And at the heart of it all was Powder. She stood atop a crate in the middle of the square, surrounded by a group of children. Her blue hair was tied back in a messy bun, streaked with ribbons from the decorations. She laughed and joked as she showed the kids how to tie colorful garlands and hang them across the stalls. Her workstation was a chaotic mix of fireworks, lanterns, and whimsical gadgets she and Ekko had been creating together.
One of their recent inventions—a spinning lantern that cast shimmering rainbows when lit—was already hanging above the main square, drawing gasps of amazement from passersby. Another was a playful contraption Powder called the “Laugh Bomb,” a harmless device that released a puff of glitter and a high-pitched giggle when tossed. The kids adored it, chasing each other through the streets with fits of laughter.
Lux joined Powder occasionally, her hands deftly tying ribbons and adjusting lanterns as they worked side by side. Despite the restrictions that came with her noble status, Lux had an undeniable knack for creativity, and she eagerly offered suggestions for Powder’s whimsical decorations. The two giggled together like old friends, their bond growing naturally in the shared joy of creation.
“Here, try this,” Lux suggested, holding up a cluster of small, reflective beads she’d found among the supplies. Powder’s eyes lit up as she quickly incorporated them into one of her fireworks, making it shimmer more brilliantly when lit.
Their laughter and collaboration were magnetic, drawing a small crowd of children who eagerly offered to help. Powder, ever the inventive leader, handed out simple tasks with infectious enthusiasm, while Lux added an encouraging word or a warm smile to keep spirits high. Together, they turned even the smallest details into something extraordinary, their camaraderie as bright as the decorations they were crafting.
As the festival preparations unfolded, the streets of Kalstead and Ravenhurst transformed. Streamers stretched across alleyways, lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and flower garlands framed every doorway. Murals, bright and full of life, adorned the walls, while colorful ribbons wrapped around every pole and railing. The scent of fresh paint mixed with the sweet aroma of flowers and the faint tang of sawdust from the market stalls.
Nearby, Vi and Caitlyn finally took a moment to rest, settling onto a bench at the edge of the square. Vi leaned forward, elbows on her knees, her sharp eyes tracking Powder as she darted between the children, helping them string streamers onto the market stalls. Powder was laughing—genuinely, freely—and it was a sound Vi hadn’t heard in years.
Caitlyn leaned back, watching the scene unfold, a soft smile on her lips. After a while, she broke the silence. “She’s something else, isn’t she?” Her tone was warm, filled with admiration.
Vi nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving her sister. “Yeah… she really is.” Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. “I wasn’t sure what I’d find when I came here. After everything… I didn’t know if she could ever come back from it.” She exhaled deeply, her shoulders sagging with a weight she had carried for far too long. “But she’s not Jinx anymore. That’s not who I’m looking at. That’s Powder. My Powder.”
Caitlyn’s smile grew as she looked at Vi, her eyes filled with understanding. “She’s come so far, Vi. And so have you. You’ve both found your way back, in your own time.”
Vi shook her head lightly, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. “I just… I just needed to see her. To see how she was doing, how Vander—was holding up.” Her gaze softened as she watched Powder spin with the children, her laughter carrying across the square.
She paused, her voice catching for a moment. “She didn’t need me to pull her out of the darkness. She did it on her own. She found her way back. And now I get to see her like this—happy, alive, just… being herself. It’s more than I ever could’ve hoped for.”
Caitlyn’s hand rested gently on Vi’s shoulder, her touch both grounding and reassuring. “Sometimes, all we need to do is show up. You being here means more to her than you realize. And seeing her now—it’s proof that she’s stronger than anyone gave her credit for.”
Vi let out a quiet laugh, the sound tinged with relief and lingering emotion. “She is, isn’t she? Stronger, smarter… brighter. She’s always had that fire in her, even when she was a kid. I just wish I’d been there for her sooner.”
Caitlyn shook her head gently. “You’re here now, Vi. That’s what matters. She sees it, and so do I.”
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, their eyes following Powder as she worked with the children, her movements lively and unrestrained. In the center of the square, she crouched down to light another firework, the device whirring to life before shooting into the sky in a brilliant explosion of color. The children cheered, their joy infectious as the adults around them clapped and smiled.
Vi exhaled slowly, her heart swelling with pride as she watched her sister bask in the moment. “She’s found her place here,” she said softly, almost to herself.
Meanwhile, Rengar stood before Ava’s grave, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the stone. His golden eyes, sharp and unyielding, bore into the name etched there, the wind tugging at his fur as if to nudge him onward. But he remained still, rooted in a moment that carried the weight of four decades.
In his clawed hand, he held a single flower—wild and unassuming, plucked from the forest edge. He knelt, his imposing form lowering with an unexpected gentleness, and placed the flower at the base of the gravestone.
“Forty years,” he rasped, his voice low and rough, a growl softened by something unspoken. “And here I am, still standing. Still hunting. While you… you slipped away.”
His claws brushed the edge of the stone, tracing it as if the motion might bring back the past. His lips curled into a sharp grin, but it held no humor, only a grim respect.
“You kids pulled off what no one else could. Helped Ahri vanish. Right under my nose.” He let out a dry, rasping chuckle, one that carried the weight of both bitterness and admiration. “Thought I didn’t figure it out, huh? I knew. I’ve always known.”
For a moment, silence reigned, broken only by the whisper of the wind through the graveyard. Rengar’s gaze lingered on the grave, his golden eyes softer now, shadowed with something that might have been regret.
“You got away,” he murmured. “Just like you wanted.”
With a final glance, he rose to his full height, his powerful frame seeming heavier than before. He turned and walked away, his steps slow but deliberate, the wildflower swaying gently in the breeze behind him. The hunt may never truly end, but for Rengar, this chapter had finally been laid to rest.
The day of the festival had finally arrived, and Ravenhurst was alive with excitement. The streets were filled with people preparing to head to Kalstead, everyone dressed in their finest clothes for the grand occasion. Music filled the air as families and friends made their way to the festivities, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.
Outside the old garage, Ekko stood waiting, his eyes scanning the crowd, though his mind seemed far away. Dressed sharply for the occasion, he looked every bit the gentleman—his suit neatly tailored, his hair perfectly styled—but his thoughts were completely occupied by the moment to come.
When Powder appeared, however, all his thoughts scattered.
She stepped into view, her hair cascading down her back in soft waves, her outfit still a playful blend of eccentricity and confidence. She wore a fitted, brightly colored dress adorned with delicate lace and mismatched buttons, each piece reflecting her vibrant personality. Over it, she threw on a worn leather jacket, the sleeves rolled up just above her elbows, adding a tough edge to her otherwise whimsical look. Her shoes, scuffed but still stylish, matched the electric hues of the festival decorations. The moment Ekko saw her, his breath hitched, his eyes wide. The world seemed to still around him, every sound muted except for the beating of his heart.
He couldn’t help himself—his mouth fell open slightly as he looked at her, absolutely stunned.
Powder noticed his reaction immediately, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. She sauntered toward him, eyes twinkling, enjoying every second of his stunned silence. “What’s the matter, Ekko? Never seen a girl like me before?” she teased, her voice light and playful, yet laced with a touch of confidence.
Ekko snapped out of his daze, his face flushing a deep shade of red, but his smile was warm and affectionate. “You… You look… wow,” he stammered, his voice betraying the mix of admiration and awe he felt. “I mean, you—You’re—” He took a deep breath, trying to collect himself, but his words came out half-formed and awestruck. "You're... breathtaking."
Powder smirked, clearly pleased by his reaction, but it wasn’t long before she noticed something. Her eyes widened as she snapped her fingers in realization. “Oh, wait! I forgot a few things!” she exclaimed, turning on her heels. “Tali, you—” she called, spotting the kids waiting nearby. “Bring the fireworks from the garage. Our team is gonna come in first place for sure! And don’t forget the ones in my room, too!”
As the children scurried off to fetch the fireworks, Vi, who had been standing off to the side, watched the entire exchange with a quiet smirk on her face. Her arms crossed, she leaned against a nearby pillar, her eyes following Powder and Ekko with a knowing gaze. Her lips curled into a soft, approving smile, as if acknowledging something deeper, something that had always been there but was finally being realized between the two of them. She watched the young sparks of love begin to take root, and in that moment, Vi couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for the way her sister had come into her own.
The children quickly ran inside the old garage to fetch the fireworks, while Tali, excited but with a task in mind, made her way to Powder’s room. As she entered, the room was filled with the usual chaos—papers, gadgets, and knick-knacks scattered all over the place. She quickly moved to the desk, where Powder had stored a few extra fireworks in a small, weathered box. As Tali opened the drawer, a faint purple light caught her attention. Her curiosity piqued, she leaned in closer to inspect the source.
A crack in the box’s lid revealed a soft, glowing purple light emanating from within, and Tali, intrigued, reached for it. Her fingers brushed against the cold surface of a padlock on the box. Without thinking, she murmured the three-digit code—she had overheard Powder saying it multiple times before, not realizing what it might mean. “9-3-7,” she whispered under her breath, and with a soft click, the padlock opened.
Inside the box was a gemstone like nothing Tali had ever seen before. The purple gem shimmered with an almost magnetic allure, its glow drawing her in. She gasped softly, mesmerized by its beauty. “This must be the prize winner,” Tali murmured to herself, slipping the gem into her pocket without a second thought. She then grabbed the fireworks, hurriedly stuffing them into a bag and rushing out of the room with the other children, her mind still buzzing with the strange allure of the gem.