The evening air in the Lanes carried a distinct chill, the kind that nipped at the skin without quite sinking in. Ekko and Powder stepped out of the school building, their voices light and carefree as they chatted, hands loosely clasped. Around them, a tide of students flowed out of the newly repaired structure. The school wasn't pristine or polished like the topside academies; the students wore mismatched, often patched clothes, but there was a quiet sense of pride in their steps. For many, it was the first semblance of stability they'd known.
As they made their way toward the street corner, Ekko caught sight of a familiar figure. Tarren stood there, waiting, his posture relaxed. When he spotted them, his face broke into a broad smile, and he lifted a hand in greeting.
"Tarren!" Ekko called, his voice filled with surprise and delight. The two of them hurried over, weaving through the thinning crowd.
"You're back!" Ekko exclaimed as they reached him. "You look… different."
"Like a pompous man topside," Powder quipped with a smirk.
Tarren chuckled, ruffling their hair in turn. "I've been hearing that a lot today. And you two have grown up. It's been too long. How's life under 'Vander's regime'?"
"Better than before," Ekko admitted, glancing back at the school. "Still can't believe he made us go there, though."
"What's wrong with school?" Tarren raised an eyebrow. "Better than spending all day stuck in Benzo's attic, isn't it?"
"The lessons are too easy," Powder complained, crossing her arms.
"Oh, so now you think you're too good for them?" Tarren teased. "I still remember the time you tried to make a powder bomb. It went off like a fart."
Powder's face lit up with indignation. "I'm way past that now! I could make one in my sleep."
"Sure, sure," Tarren said, rolling his eyes in mock disbelief. He glanced around as more students spilled out of the building, their chatter blending into the city's constant hum. "Let's find somewhere quiet to talk."
—
The three of them ended up at a familiar spot: the balcony where Tarren had spent countless evenings as a child. It offered a sweeping view of the Undercity, its tangled web of pipes, lights, and smoke laid bare. The balcony had changed in his absence; new decorations hung from the rafters, and colorful drawings—Powder's handiwork—covered the walls.
Tarren sat on the edge, legs dangling over the side, while Powder claimed a hammock strung between two beams. Ekko leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he surveyed the view.
"So much has changed," Tarren murmured. "I can't believe the old man pulled it off—and so quickly, too."
"It wasn't fun to live through," Ekko said, his tone darkening. "We spent more nights in the basement than I can count, hiding from the resistance. Vander's bar? It's been burned down so many times I've lost track."
"This place became our safe haven," Powder added. "We even slept here sometimes. Things are better now, but back then… it wasn't easy."
Tarren's expression softened. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"What about you?" Ekko asked. "What've you been up to these past two years?"
Tarren hesitated, then shrugged. "I grew up."
Powder snorted. "Obviously."
"I mean it," Tarren said with a laugh. "I've had to deal with… adult responsibilities. Negotiating with nobles, planning for the future. Some of my acquaintances even want me to form a House."
"A House?" Ekko's eyes widened. "Like House Ferros or House Kirraman?"
Tarren nodded. "Yeah."
"That's amazing!" Powder exclaimed. "You'll get to stand toe-to-toe with all those pompous topsiders."
"You can't start a House alone," Ekko pointed out. "And you don't have any blood relatives. So…"
"I'd have to marry," Tarren finished simply.
Powder leaned forward. "Any suitors?"
Ekko threw a pebble at her, eliciting an indignant "Ouch!" from Powder.
Tarren chuckled from their antics. "I'd use both of your names if I could," Tarren joked. "But it wouldn't work. Need actual blood relatives."
"I don't want anything to do with nobles," Ekko muttered.
"Fair enough," Tarren said with a chuckle. His eyes glinted mischievously. "Speaking of suitors… what's with you two?"
"W-what?" Ekko stammered, his face flushing.
"Come on, Spark," Tarren said, smirking. "I saw you two holding hands earlier."
"I-it was nothing!" Ekko insisted, glaring at Powder.
"Nothing?" Powder echoed, her grin widening.
"Alright, alright," Tarren said, laughing. "I won't pry."
The conversation lulled, the three of them slipping into a comfortable silence. Tarren gazed down at the city below, memories flickering in his mind. His thoughts turned to Vi, the sister he hadn't seen in years.
"Hey, Powder," he said softly. "Can I… visit Vi?"
Powder tilted her head. "Why do you need my permission?" she asked matter-of-factly. "I'm sure she'd love to see you."
Tarren smiled faintly. "Right. Of course."
He stood, brushing off his pants. "It's getting late. Let's head back."
Ekko and Powder followed him, the trio descending from the balcony as the city's lights flickered on, casting the Undercity in a warm, golden glow.