Pretend Like It's the First Time
The city of Kalstead transformed into a vibrant festival, its streets a kaleidoscope of color and life. Despite the scars left by the recent attack, hope bloomed in every corner. Lanterns strung between buildings cast a warm, welcoming glow. The aroma of sizzling food wafted through the air, mingling with the cheerful chatter of families and friends. Stalls brimmed with games, trinkets, and delicacies, while performers entertained crowds with music and dance.
Amidst the celebration, Vi and Caitlyn strolled through the bustling fairgrounds, hand in hand, sharing quiet laughter. Powder and Ekko were close by, the former leading the way with her usual exuberance. At the edge of the festivities, Lux hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Summoning her courage, she approached Jarvan IV, who stood by the security post, scanning the crowd.
"Jarvan," Lux began, her voice tinged with hope, "would you like to join me at the festival? Just for a little while?"
Jarvan smiled apologetically. "I'd love to, but I need to keep an eye on the security tonight. It’s important that everyone feels safe."
Lux's shoulders sagged slightly. "I understand," she murmured.
Before the disappointment could settle, Garen appeared, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don’t look so glum, sis. You’ve got me as your escort tonight."
Lux's face lit up, and she looped her arm through his. "Well, I suppose you'll have to do," she teased, earning a hearty laugh from her brother.
As the night deepened and the festival came alive with the hum of laughter and the vibrant glow of lights, the group found themselves wandering toward one of the many game stalls. Powder’s eyes sparkled as they landed on a shooting gallery. Without hesitation, she grabbed the toy rifle from the counter, her fingers twitching with excitement.
"This one’s all me," she declared, narrowing her eyes as the first target began to move.
She took aim, her tongue poking out slightly in concentration, and one by one, the targets dropped with satisfying dings. Powder grinned widely, her shots landing with impressive accuracy. Just as she was about to celebrate her high score, Caitlyn stepped forward, her arms crossed and an eyebrow arched.
"Not bad," Caitlyn said, her tone teasing. "But let me show you how it’s really done."
Powder groaned, handing over the rifle. "Oh, come on! You’re just here to rub it in, aren’t you?"
Caitlyn smirked, picking up the rifle with a natural ease. "Well, it would be a shame not to try."
With her trademark precision, Caitlyn took aim and hit every moving target with effortless grace, her calm demeanor making it look almost too easy. When the last target fell, the stallkeeper handed her the grand prize: a massive teddy bear nearly as tall as Powder. Caitlyn turned to Vi, presenting the plush toy with a cheeky smile.
"Here. Thought this might suit you," she said, and Vi chuckled, shaking her head as she accepted it.
Powder crossed her arms and sighed dramatically. "Show-off," she muttered under her breath, though she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.
Moving on, they stopped at another stall featuring a brightly lit agility game. Wooden moles popped up at random, daring players to hit them before they disappeared. Powder’s enthusiasm returned instantly as she bounced on her toes, eager to join.
"Alright, this one’s mine!" Powder declared, bouncing on her toes as her eyes locked onto the brightly lit agility game. She grabbed the hammer, ready to prove herself, but Caitlyn stepped in with a raised hand, her expression hesitant.
"Hold on, Powder," Caitlyn said, her voice cautious but kind. "No... powers. Just you and the hammer, fair and square."
Powder froze, her enthusiasm dimming as her grip on the hammer loosened. Though Caitlyn didn’t say it outright, everyone knew what she was referring to—Powder’s shimmer-enhanced abilities. It was a careful choice of words, one meant to avoid stirring old wounds, but it still hung in the air, unspoken yet understood.
"I wasn’t going to cheat," Powder muttered, her voice defensive as her eyes flicked away.
Caitlyn raised her hands in a small, placating gesture. "I know, Powder. I just… thought it’d be fair to keep it simple, yeah? No misunderstandings."
Vi, sensing the growing tension, stepped in with a grin, trying to ease the mood. "C’mon, Cupcake. You’re making it sound like Powder’s gonna blast the game apart." She nudged Powder gently. "We all know you’re good, Pow. Let Ekko take this one. He’s been itching to show off anyway."
Powder’s lips pressed into a thin line, but after a moment, she sighed and stepped back, letting go of the hammer. "Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms. "But you better win, Ekko."
Ekko grinned, giving her a playful nudge. "Don’t worry. I’ve got this."
He stepped up confidently, grabbing the hammer as Vi and Caitlyn joined in the competition. The moles popped up faster and faster, but Ekko’s sharp focus and nimble reflexes gave him the edge. When the final score lit up, he turned with a triumphant grin.
"That’s how it’s done," he declared, throwing an arm around Powder’s shoulders.
Powder rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched into a small smile. "Alright, alright. You’re lucky I didn’t play—I would’ve crushed it," she teased.
Vi raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Keep talking, Powder. Let’s see what you’ve got in the next game."
Powder’s playful grin returned as the group moved on, the earlier tension dissolving into laughter and lighthearted banter. They wandered through the festival, the glow of lanterns overhead and the sounds of music and chatter filling the air.
It wasn’t long before they stumbled upon the strength-testing game, the towering high striker hammer challenge looming ahead. Powder’s eyes lit up, and she nudged Vi with a smirk.
"This is it," Powder said, cracking her knuckles theatrically. "Time to settle the score."
Vi chuckled, rolling her shoulders. "You’re on, Pow." She grabbed the hammer with ease, testing its weight. Ekko stepped forward, grinning as he sized up the challenge.
"Don’t count me out just yet," he said confidently.
Vi went first, her powerful swing sending the metal puck shooting up the scale. It hit the top with a satisfying clang, drawing cheers from onlookers. She turned to Powder with a triumphant grin.
"Beat that, Pow."
Powder huffed, grabbing the hammer with determination. Her swing was fast and precise, but the puck didn’t quite reach the top. She glared at it as it clattered back down, and Ekko couldn’t resist a chuckle.
"Let me show you how it’s done," he teased, stepping up and taking his turn. With a clean, well-placed strike, the puck soared upward, hitting just shy of Vi’s score.
"Not bad, not bad," Vi said, giving him a playful shove.
The crowd cheered as the three bantered, but then Garen’s unmistakable voice boomed from behind them. "Let me show you how it’s really done," he said, stepping forward with a grin and flexing his massive arms.
Powder groaned. "Oh, come on, Garen, you’re going to ruin it!"
Garen laughed, grabbing the hammer. "Sorry, Powder, but sometimes big brother’s gotta remind everyone who’s the strongest."
With a swing that seemed effortless, Garen sent the puck rocketing up, the clang of it hitting the very top reverberating through the festival. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Garen turned to the group with an exaggerated bow.
"Well, I think that settles it," he said with a wink.
Powder scowled playfully. "This isn’t over! We need a real tiebreaker."
As the group debated, an announcement echoed through the festival: "The ball dance is about to begin! Couples interested in participating, please register at the pavilion!"
Powder’s eyes gleamed mischievously, and she turned to Vi with a wicked grin. "How about this? One final competition—on the dance floor."
Vi groaned, but Powder was already dragging her toward the pavilion. Ekko and Caitlyn exchanged exasperated sighs, while Garen and Lux laughed, following close behind.
The festival pavilion was bathed in golden light, its dance floor surrounded by strings of glowing lanterns that swayed gently in the evening breeze. Couples of all kinds lined up to register for the ball dance, laughter and excitement buzzing in the air. Vi and Caitlyn exchanged a glance, the corners of their lips quirking up in a shared smirk, before stepping forward to sign up as a pair.
Behind them, Ekko and Powder approached the table. Powder tugged on Ekko’s arm, her eyes alight with mischief. “Come on, we’ve got this. No way we’re losing to Vi and Cait.”
Ekko smirked, tilting his head toward her. “With you leading? Yeah, we might actually have a shot.”
Powder laughed, her grin widening. “Might? Please, I’ll make us unstoppable.”
“Just don’t spin me off the floor, okay?” Ekko quipped, earning a playful nudge as Powder grabbed the pen and scrawled their names on the list with a flourish.
Nearby, Garen stood beside Lux, who hesitated for just a moment before flashing her brother a grateful smile. “Guess we’re doing this,” she said softly.
“Of course we are,” Garen replied with a wink. “Can’t let these Piltovians and Zaunites outshine us.”
The pavilion filled with couples, the air thick with anticipation as the first notes of music floated through the night. The host stepped forward, announcing the rules: the music would change tempo and style, challenging the couples to adapt their dancing skills. The last pair standing would be crowned the winners.
The dance began with a lively waltz, couples gliding gracefully across the floor in perfect harmony. Ekko stumbled almost immediately, accidentally stepping on Powder’s foot. His eyes went wide as he laughed nervously. “Ah! Sorry, sorry!”
Powder just grinned, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “Relax, genius. I’ve got you. Just let me lead.”
With a confident tug, she guided him into the rhythm, her movements light and sure. Ekko let out a breath, his nerves fading as he matched her steps. “Okay, okay. Not bad,” he murmured, a smile creeping onto his face.
“Told you we’d be unstoppable,” Powder said with a wink, spinning them effortlessly back into the flow of the dance.
As the music shifted to a playful swing tune, the atmosphere grew electric. Vi and Caitlyn moved in perfect sync, their sharp footwork earning nods of approval from the crowd. Lux and Garen kept up effortlessly, Lux’s radiant smile a stark contrast to her earlier hesitations.
But it was Ekko and Powder who began to steal the spotlight. Ekko’s initial clumsiness faded as he leaned into Powder’s lead, her laughter ringing out as he spun her under his arm. She felt light, free, as if the weight of her past didn’t matter here, in this moment.
When the music shifted to a sultry tango, the crowd quieted, mesmerized by the intensity of the dances. Powder’s playful demeanor softened, and she locked eyes with Ekko. He held her gaze, his movements fluid and deliberate as he followed her through the intricate steps. The world seemed to fall away, leaving only the rhythm of the music and the steady beat of their hearts.
“I thought this was a competition,” Ekko murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Powder smiled, her cheeks flushed. “Who cares?” she whispered back.
As the tempo slowed into a romantic ballad, the world around Powder and Ekko seemed to vanish. They were lost in each other’s presence, the music wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth. Powder’s head rested softly against Ekko’s shoulder, her breath steady and calm as they swayed together. Ekko held her close, letting the moment guide him, his hands gently following her lead as they moved in sync.
For a moment, nothing else mattered. The cheers from the crowd, the pressure of the competition—it all faded away. It was just them, their quiet connection, and the soft melody that seemed to echo the unspoken feelings between them.
Powder’s heart fluttered as she felt the rhythm of Ekko’s heartbeat under her ear. She could feel his steady pulse, matching the slow sway of their movements, and for the first time in so long, she wasn’t burdened by the chaos in her mind. There was no Jinx. No anger. No fear. There was just Powder, and Ekko. Together.
Ekko, too, was lost in the moment. He could feel the lightness in his chest, the worries of the day slipping away as he focused only on the woman in his arms. She had always been unpredictable, chaotic even, but right now, as she rested against him with a soft smile, he could feel a quiet peace settle between them. It was as if, in this moment, they didn’t have to try to be anyone other than who they were with each other.
As the final note of the ballad hung in the air, the crowd erupted into applause, shattering the serene bubble that had enveloped them. Powder blinked, pulling away slightly to look around, her cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. She hadn’t even realized they were the last couple left on the dance floor.
The host, beaming with enthusiasm, declared, “And the winners of tonight’s dance competition are—Ekko and Powder!”
But Powder barely heard the announcement. Her gaze locked with Ekko’s, her eyes wide with astonishment and a bright, genuine smile spreading across her face. It was as if, in that moment, all the weight she had carried for so long had finally been lifted, replaced by a feeling she had forgotten she could have—pure, unfiltered joy.
Ekko’s hand gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing over her skin as if to memorize the softness of this moment. He leaned in slightly. “We did it,” he murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper, but filled with a depth of emotion.
Powder, overwhelmed by the tenderness of the moment, smiled up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Yeah… we did.” Her voice was steady, but her heart raced.
Watching them, Vi smiled to herself, feeling a quiet happiness settle in her chest. She leaned into Caitlyn, her voice soft and full of affection. “Finally,” she said, her eyes glistening with pride. “They figured it out.”
Caitlyn, watching the couple with a fond smile, let out a small laugh. “Took them long enough,” she replied, her voice gentle but filled with warmth.
But even as the moment passed, and the crowd continued to cheer around them, nothing could overshadow the connection between Powder and Ekko. They stood there, side by side, their hands still lingering on each other as they shared a quiet, unspoken understanding.
For Powder, it wasn’t just the victory that mattered—it was the feeling of being seen, of being loved for who she was, free from the chaos of her past. In Ekko’s presence, she found not only a partner, but someone who understood her like no one else could. And for Ekko, it was a quiet realization that he had found something truly worth fighting for—not just in the world, but in the simple, honest moments shared between them.
As the music from the ball faded away, the cheers of the crowd still echoing in the distance, Powder and Ekko walked quietly away from the festivities. The last traces of the night’s energy seemed to dissolve as they made their way toward the edge of the newly constructed dock, far from the bustle of the festival. The cool night air wrapped around them, offering a peaceful contrast to the vibrant celebration they’d just left behind.
They reached the edge of the dock and sat down, their legs dangling over the side, the water below rippling gently in the moonlight. The sky above was vast and starry, the moon reflecting off the calm sea, casting a soft glow over the horizon. The quiet lapping of the waves against the dock was the only sound that filled the air, a soothing rhythm that seemed to invite reflection.
The festival felt like a distant memory now, as if it had all been a dream. Here, in the stillness of the night, with the cool breeze brushing their faces, there was only the stars above, the vast sea in front of them, and the peaceful silence that surrounded them. The chaos and noise of the day seemed so far removed, replaced by a sense of calm that neither of them had expected, but both of them deeply needed.
Powder leaned back slightly, resting her hands behind her, her eyes tracing the stars. The weight of the past felt lighter here, far from the noise, far from everything that had once defined her. She found solace in the quiet, in the simple moments like this. Ekko sat beside her, legs swinging casually, his gaze distant but calm.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked softly.
Ekko smiled, his gaze following hers.
"Yes, it is." he replied, his voice warm.
After a moment, Powder turned to him, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Where did you learn those moves?" she inquired, referring to their earlier dance.
Ekko chuckled, a hint of mischief in his smile.
"Following your lead," he said.
Powder raised an eyebrow, impressed.
"He's got lines," she remarked, a teasing tone in her voice.
Hearing this, Ekko felt a wave of déjà vu, recalling a similar moment with Powder in another world—a memory that now felt like a distant dream.
Powder, sensing his momentary distraction, nudged him gently.
"So, you never told me the story of Ekko and Powder from the other world," she said, her voice curious.
Ekko's expression softened, a wistful smile playing on his lips.
"In that world," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, "Ekko was madly in love with Powder, and Powder was madly in love with Ekko."
Powder listened intently, her heart swelling with emotion at the thought of their alternate selves.
She placed her hand gently over his, her touch warm and reassuring.
"So, do you happen to know the story of Ekko and Powder of this world?" she asked, her eyes searching his.
Ekko turned to face her, his gaze deep and sincere.
"In this world," Ekko said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion, "Ekko and Powder found each other again. And that—" he paused, his gaze softening, "—that’s everything. It’s all that matters."
Moved by his words, Powder leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Do you ever wish you could just stay in one moment?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ekko felt another pang of déjà vu, recalling a similar sentiment from the other world.
This time, he responded differently, his voice filled with certainty.
"Yes," he replied, his arm instinctively wrapping around her. "But with you, every moment feels like the right one."
They sat in comfortable silence, the world around them fading away as they shared this intimate moment.
As they looked into each other's eyes, the unspoken bond between them deepened.
Ekko leaned in slowly, his heart racing, and gently pressed his lips to hers.
Powder hesitated, her eyes searching his for reassurance.
Ekko pulled back slightly, his expression apologetic.
"Sorry," he murmured.
Powder smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Just so you know," she said, her voice tender, "this will be my first kiss."
Ekko's heart swelled at her words.
"It will be the first for me as well," he replied, his voice sincere. "At least in this world."
Powder's eyes softened, understanding the depth of his words.
She looked back at him, her gaze filled with emotion.
"Can we pretend like it's the first time?" she asked, her voice soft, vulnerable, and filled with a quiet longing.
Ekko’s heart swelled, his own emotions catching in his throat as he looked at her. He reached out, cupping her cheek with his hand, as if afraid that, in the blink of an eye, the moment would slip away.
Slowly, as if savoring the fragile beauty of the moment, he leaned in, his lips gently brushing hers. The kiss was soft, hesitant at first, as if both of them were trying to capture the magic of what had just bloomed between them. But then, as if the world itself had stopped to watch, they melted into each other, hearts in perfect sync. The kiss deepened, tender yet full of unspoken promises, carrying with it the weight of everything they had shared and everything that was still to come.
In that moment, time seemed to stretch, holding them in a quiet eternity where only they existed. The sounds of the world faded, the night air wrapped them in its warmth, and all that mattered was the connection between them. The past, the chaos, the battles—they all seemed distant, irrelevant. There was nothing but this, the soft rhythm of their breath, and the undeniable feeling that they had always been meant to be here, together.
Meanwhile, Jarvan IV stood near a security post, his eyes scanning the horizon. The night air was cool, and the bustling sounds of the festival were just a faint echo in the distance. But amidst the celebrations, a sense of unease clung to him like a shadow.
His thoughts were interrupted when a soldier hurried toward him, clearly urgent. The soldier came to a halt, saluting sharply before producing a sealed scroll from his pouch.
“My lord,” the soldier said, voice steady but laced with concern. “This message arrived. It bears the seal of Noxus.”
Jarvan’s gaze flickered to the scroll in the soldier’s hand, recognizing the dark seal instantly. He reached out and took the message with a practiced hand, his brow furrowing as he broke the wax seal.
Unrolling the parchment, his eyes quickly scanned the words, a chill settling in his chest as the message became clear. The message wrote,
“To the Demacian Leadership,
Kalstead is now claimed by Noxus. The Demacian presence in the city is an unwelcome occupation, and we demand it cease immediately.
Should the Demacians choose to remain, Noxus will take action during the night of the annual Kalstead festival. A swift, decisive response will avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
Issued by order of the Grand General of the Great Empire of Noxus,
Jericho Swain”
Jarvan's grip tightened on the paper, the weight of the message heavy in his hands. No direct accusations, just a cold, calculated demand. Kalstead, the city that had been a symbol of hope, was now the battleground for something much larger. Swain was not just threatening—he was making an offer of peace, but only under the condition that Demacia retreats.
The urgency of the situation slammed into Jarvan, and his mind raced. The festival—the celebration—would be their target. There was no time to waste.
Suddenly, the shrill wail of a siren pierced the air, echoing through Kalstead. Jarvan’s head snapped up, his heart sinking as the sound came from the patrolling Demacian ship on the sea. It was the signal—the alarm for a potential attack.
His thoughts scrambled as the gravity of the situation set in. The threat was real, and the clock was ticking.