The Boy Saviour

Chapter 7

Later on that day, Ekko had formulated a plan to get the gemstone back to the council. Sitting on one of the benches, whilst watching a couple of the children surfing on their hoverboards around the tree, I couldn't just sit around and do nothing. So, I walked up to the room and knocked lightly on his door, as he instructed me to come in. "Hey, I don't mean to disturb you" I replied, slowly walking in before closing the door behind me. "No, not at all. What's up?" Ekko asked me, stepping away from his workbench. "I want to come with you when you and Caitlyn bring the gemstone to the council." I said, as he folded his arms. "I don't know if that's wise" "Why not. I mean the council knows me too. My sister works with them after all" I responded. "It's not that, it's just..." Ekko trailed off. "Just what?" I asked. "I don't want to lose you again that's all. I mean, you almost died when we we're both 12 years old, then Jinx shot you! Who knows what could happen when we bring this gemstone to the council" Ekko replied, returning back to his workbench. "Normally, I would be stubborn, but on this occasion, I'll do what you say" I replied, as he took a breath of relief. "Thank you....you know, before I head out tomorrow, we could catch up a bit more, show you how to use a hoverboard?" Ekko suggested, hoping I would Yes, as I nodded.

We walked back onto the balcony, as he leaned against the edge, allowing the sun to hit his face. (I can't believe how he's grown up a lot!). "I still can't believe I'm standing here in your hideout...with you! I can't imagine what it must have been like growing up after the incident" I replied, as he looked downcast. "It..wasn't easy. There were days I wish I could go back to the days of just being a little kid again, but I had to mature really quickly at 12 years old, survive my own without Benzo" a tear fell from his eyes, as he began to speak, putting my hand on his shoulder. "But you did it! You built a thriving community out here with the kids. I'm sure they all look up to you too!".  He chuckled a little and said, "Yeah, yeah they do. I couldn't have done all this without them. They all mean a lot to me". Silence filled the air as I spoke, "Growing up, I was always told by my brother, Kino that Zaun was a forsaken place. If he was in Piltover, you two would definitely get along. He saw peace in everything. I can only hope that one day Zaun and Piltover would unite together". Ekko shook his head, "We're far away from that ever happening. You've got hope, I'll give you that, but it'll only change if enforcers stop killing my people!" he replied, not knowing what else I could say to change his mind. Ekko noticed my change in mood as he took my hand. "Come on, let's teach you how to use a hoverboard"

After a few hours of slips and falls, with a few bruises in between, I managed to safely manoeuvre on the hoverboard and was surprised at myself on how quick I was able to pick it up, but before I knew, evening came upon us, and it was time for Ekko, Vi & Caitlyn to head out to the council to return the gemstone. "Well, I'd better head off now" he replied, as I pulled him in for a hug. "Please get back in one piece" I said, as he returned the hug tightly. "You bet". "Don't worry, Semona, we'll be back before you know it" Caitlyn reassured me, as I hugged her back and Vi also. Scar came up next to me, putting his hand on my shoulder. "They'll be back. Come, dinner is ready" he replied, leading me towards the dinner table, as I sat around the other kids. "Hello, what's your name?" one of the young boys asked me, as I took a big bite out of the stew Scar and the other chefs in the group had made. "I'm Semona, and what's your name?" I introduced myself. "I'm Ajuna. Can I ask you a question?" he looked at me, wearing these big goggles over his eyes, reminding me of Claggor. "Sure, go for it!" I answered. "Are you and Ekko together?" he asked, as I choked on my food, coughing to make sure I don't suffocate. "No, we're just friends" I reassured him. "Hmmm, ok" was all he said, but it did make me think. Out of the 7 years I hadn't seen Ekko, he did appear to look a lot more handsome now, but I don't think he sees anything in me, as I know he cares a lot for Jinx too. I do miss her, when she was Powder though. 

Upon getting lost in my thoughts, a girl shouted from a far, in which I couldn't make out what she was saying. As she got closer, I realised she was calling my name, and holding a piece of paper in her hand. "Hi, my name is Akira. Nice to meet you Semona. I was sorting out a few of the letters and I found this, addressed to you." she said, as I took the letter from her hand. "It's from my sister. She wants to meet me" I replied, as Akira nodded. "I'll lead you the Bridge of Progress. Once we headed out of the underground of Zaun, I could see the bridge up ahead, as I thanked Akira and walked straight. Dawn approached as I continued to walk along the bridge, until I spotted a few dead bodies in my sight, gasping under my breath.