Being the older brother to a prodigy was never very easy. Ekko began life earnestly studying and training under various Piltover scientists and techmaturgists. But at a young age, he was overshadowed by his younger brother’s talent. The spotlight lingered on Ezreal for many years, even after the prodigal prodigy abandoned his studies and left for adventure.
Steeled over, Ekko began intensifying his studies. He attempted to find resonance with some form of magic. Desperate for power, Ekko sought out any and every form of magic. It was during this time when he nearly destroyed the academy he was studying in. An influential scientist approached him with the words that began his journey “A brighter tomorrow can be wrought from sheer force. But force without the correct intent to shape it will never produce something worthy.”
Leaving Piltover, and the shadow of his brother, Ekko traveled the land quietly searching everywhere for true, genuine purpose. His travels took him from nation to nation. He helped their injured, studied their culture, and explored their science and psychology. It wasn’t until he was stumbled into Ionian concert that he truly found inspiration. Sitting motionless for hours after the performance had ended, Ekko reflected on the beautiful music. But what moved him more profoundly was her hauntingly tragic voice. He had found his Muse and unwittingly his medium.
Learning more about his muse, he found that she couldn’t even speak. Both intrigued and encouraged, Ekko focused on understanding his gift. He in fact hadn’t heard the songstress’ voice—He had felt it. His perception of the world around him began transforming so rapidly, it felt as if it was a dream. Motion, movement, energy bustled, surrounding everyone and everything. But no one seemed to notice. Reaching out he grasped it. This ability to paint a thought, to sculpt an emotion, and to manipulate the world became an extension of his being. Every motion life made struck a chord, and, suddenly, it all made sense. Life had a melody, and he was its conductor.
Later hearing of his muse’s involvement in a dangerous tournament, Ekko rushed to join her side in this league. Upon arrival, the people all sounded so different. They emanated every possible sound from gruff murderous tones to righteous declarations all the way to insane cackling. It seemed as though everyone had their reason for entering. But the most daunting discovery was the fact that his brother Ezreal was here. Fate wasn’t quite through with their rivalry yet.
“Music is the heart laid bare. If you stopped and listened, maybe you’d have heard this coming.”
-Ekko