The Sixth | Ekko

Chapter Fourteen

For the next two days, Six spent her time working on altering shimmer as per usual, while also spending a significant amount of time caring for and checking up on Derora. She hadn't revealed her deal with Ekko to any of her fighters. Not even Derora. She knew how much they would disapprove, despite her being their leader. Maybe another time she would reveal it to them, but not right now.

She had a few hours before she was supposed to meet with Ekko, and in truth, she had no idea how she was going to get to the safehouse. Her hip still hurt like hell, and she was currently using a crutch to help herself get around. She tried injecting shimmer into get hip, but it didn't do much to help. She could just risk walking the streets. It may take her a long while to get to the safehouse, since it was a decent stretch between there and their hideout. There was also the fact that she would be noticeably vulnerable, needing a crutch to assist with walking, her steps labored and careful. There was a chance that the wrong person would notice and take advantage of her weakened state.

Her choices were limited, so she tucked a dagger into the pocket of her coat and ensured she was wearing her gloves before leaving the hideout. She ascended the stairs and greeted Teeny and Ms. LeLock before closing the door behind her.

She hobbled along the streets, crutch under her armpit to assist with her walking. She noticed that she captured the attention of a few stragglers. She pretended to be none the wiser, but secretly paid close attention as they followed behind her from a decent distance away.

As she turned a corner, she shoved her hand in her pocket, ready to free her dagger and defend herself. She wouldn't get the chance to, however. She squealed, suddenly being lifted from the ground. So suddenly in fact, she hadn't seen what happened until she looked down and saw Ekko's booted feet settled on his hoverboard.

"Ekko?" she breathed, her heart racing from the abruptness of being swept off her feet. Her crutch dangled from under her arm, clanking against the side of his board as they flew.

"You were being followed," he stated firmly, making a quick turn.

"I know."

"Why would you walk the Lanes with a crutch? It's obvious someone would notice and try and mug you," he scolded, bringing Six to roll her eyes.

"You told me not to miss the first lesson. Didn't have much of a choice."

Ekko slowed his board and descended until they reached the ground. He helped her off the board and then picked it up to hold to his side.

"If you tell me where you're staying at, maybe I could pick you up. Or we could just have the lessons there instead."

Six gaped at the boldness of what he was asking of her. "You want to know where we stay? You're joking, right?"

Ekko pushed open the door and held it for her as she limped inside.

"What, is it some kind of secret?"

She huffed and took a seat at the table, setting her crutch down to rest against it.

"How about this, you show me where you and the Firelights stay, and I'll tell you all about where our hideout is."

Ekko's eyes narrowed. "That's different—"

"How? How is my wanting to protect my people different from your wanting to protect yours?"

Ekko sighed and took a seat next to her. "Because I don't know if I can trust you."

Six stared at him incredulously before she letting out a snort. "And you think I trust you?"

He glared at her. "You're a drug dealer. Or did you forget that part?"

She scoffed. "And you're a prick."