Ekko sat at his workbench, the hum of his machines filling the air as he twisted wires and calibrated delicate components. The Firelight hideout, hidden deep in the labyrinth of Zaun's sewers, was a sanctuary of sorts—at least for those who shared his resolve to fight against Silco's tyranny. The giant tree at the center of the hideout cast its shadow over everything, but Ekko barely noticed anymore. His mind was always elsewhere, focused on the intricate schematics sprawled out before him. Each circuit, each gear, each cog was a small victory against the chaos of the Undercity.

His work had become his anchor, his only constant in a world that seemed to change with every explosion, every betrayal. He couldn't afford distractions. He couldn't afford to rely on anyone. Not after everything.

Still, the persistent voice that had been echoing through his thoughts for weeks now refused to let go. The voice of that Piltie. The one who’d shown up in Zaun, offering parts, expertise— help—like it was something Ekko could just accept without question. He’d rejected the offer the first time, brushing them off with little more than a sneer and a few words of dismissal. He didn't trust them. Didn’t trust anyone, really.

But they hadn't given up. No, they'd come back. Week after week, they came. With new tools, new ideas. It was... maddening, honestly. Ekko had never been one to ask for help, let alone accept it. But the persistence was there, like a buzzing fly he couldn’t swat away.

Finally, after weeks of irritation and curiosity gnawing at him, Ekko set down his wrench and looked up when you strolled in once again- he never did find out how you discovered the hideout. "You really think you're going to change my mind, huh?" His voice was low, calculating, the weight of past betrayals in every word. "Fine. You can help. But don’t think for a second that means I trust you." He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Let’s see if you can actually keep up."

It wasn't an invitation. It was a challenge.