The Sixth | Ekko

Chapter Sixty-Five

Ekko adjusted his footing, feeling the grit under his boots from the flaking rust that covered the massive pipe he was standing on. He peered down at the quiet street through the thin smog that lingered in the air, taking in everything down to the last detail.

After Caitlyn had visited the treehouse to check on Vi, she told him about the disappearance of landmarks in Piltover—while putting particular emphasis on her mother's memorial statue.

The Last Drop hadn't been the only one that traded places with the other reality, and with that in mind, they determined they should search anything else it might've happened to.

While the Firelights were still injured, the odds of engaging in combat during this mission were slim. Therefore, those willing were currently scouring different parts of the city.

Ekko assigned himself the area around The Last Drop, putting himself in the riskier area since he hadn't been injured to the same extent as the others.

News that Daunter had taken over The Last Drop was fast spreading, and it didn't take long to reach the Firelights. The area was likely to be guarded by his runts, so he ensured he remained off the streets by climbing pipes and roofs.

From where he was positioned, everything seemed to be the same as any other time he walked through these streets. Same old, mouldy posters that should've been taken down years ago. Same neon lights outlining the surrounding buildings in green. Colourful glass windows with wispy, metal designs.

After passing The Last Drop, he decided to head further south to check the area around Benzo's old shop.

He hadn't been inside of the shop (in this reality) since he'd gone there with Heimerdinger to get spare parts for his aeroglider. Back then, the shop had collected more dust than memories, having been left to sit quiet and untouched for years.

Once he had travelled far enough away from the bar, he climbed back down to ground level. He passed Jericho's stand, seeing the wooden covering with Jericho's face painted on it had been pulled down, signalling it was closed.

He was rounding the corner to the street Benzo's shop was located on when vibrant plum caught the corner of his eye. He inclined his head, his attention shooting upwards. His eyes widened incrementally at what he saw.

Standing on the ledge of a dome windowed building was Momo, her hair chaos in the breeze. She was wearing her new suit still, the intricate, purple streamlines bringing elegance to her otherwise dishevelled appearance.

She was staring at something, from what he could tell, and hadn't seemed to notice him yet.

He stood there in shock for several moments, not having expected to run into her again so soon.

He moved closer to a building lining the street, hoping the mushroom-shaped canopy would hide him from view. His eyes squinted when the aqua-coloured light hit his eyes, the canopy lined with fluorescent lights.

He shifted, moving out from underneath the canopy but remaining tight to the building.

He needed to get close to her without startling her away.

Maybe he could figure out a way to get her back to the treehouse—though it would probably involve knocking her unconscious, which wasn't something he wanted to do. Also, her waking up to see that she'd technically been kidnapped wouldn't help him get through to her.

Perhaps he could talk to her.

He had to do something.

Had to try.

Six's boots teased the edge of the roof, their slight heels pressing against the green glass that formed the ceiling dome.

She toyed with the red ribbon tied to her wrist with one hand while the other held the rose-coloured chalice.