The Sixth | Ekko

Chapter Fifteen

Six was relieved when she visited Derora the next morning to discover the ointment she made was working to get rid of the infection. She didn't stay there long though. She had to figure out what to do regarding their food supply.

She was in no condition to steal shimmer, and she already told Ekko the Vatalia wouldn't be stealing or selling any as long as their deal was in place. Even if selling was an option, she couldn't sell what they had in stock since she needed it and was also using it to aid in her medical research. She originally thought about selling some on the sly (before learning Belladonna sold half their supply), but she realized she wasn't willing to risk her deal with Ekko by sneaking behind his back. She needed those lessons—needed to do better for her people.

She gave up her meals for the sake of her people, but as a result was left weak and hungry. Not only did this cause her thought processes to faulter, but also left her agitated and unapproachable in the coming days.

So, that led her to do something drastic. Back in her room, she sat on her bed crossed legged while clutching the walkie talkie Ekko gave her, her finger ghosting over the talk button for several minutes before she finally decided to press it.

"Ekko."

There wasn't a response at first. She was starting to think he must've been busy until finally his voice sounded through the speaker.

"Yeah?"

She held it up again and stared at it, already regretting contacting him. She released a breath, trying to mentally build herself up for the impending conversation.

"I need your help," she confessed, grip on the walkie talkie tightening.

"What happened?"

Her thumb hovered over the button, her mind a flurry of thoughts. How could she tell him about her failures? He was a leader of a community just as she was. Would he understand? Or would he judge her for her failures?

Their community was in crises, and it was all her fault. She should've noticed the leak sooner. Or better yet, had someone assigned to check their plumbing and electrical regularly to prevent occasions such as these.

"Momo?" Ekko's voice came through after a while with no reply.

Six flailed in startlement, releasing her hold on the walkie talkie. It landed in her lap, where it stayed for a good thirty-seconds before she finally picked it up again.

"Just—nevermind."

He didn't respond after that, and Six realized he probably didn't care enough to pry. Her lip began to wobble, her hand rushing up to cover her mouth to muffle a cry.

'Your problems aren't his. He probably has enough on his plate as it is,' she thought. 'But why should I care about that? Why should I care what he thinks? Why should I care about anything at all?!' She ran her fingers through her hair, gripping at her bangs. 'Don't be stupid, you have people relying on you.'

She pressed down on the talk button firmly.

"Actually, I—I changed my mind. I need your help. It's urgent."

No response.

"Ekko?"

Nothing.

She threw the walkie talkie across the room, effectively breaking it. She panted. She hated how desperate she'd become. Despised how she almost became reliant on the man who viewed her as a vessel for information and nothing more.

"Spending time with you is—well—it—it's a lot more tolerable than I thought it would be."

"I was an idiot."