-Later that day, evening-
Victorious, Infinus returned to Krugi. Warriors held pride in their hearts as they gathered around the war room, patiently waiting for Ether to stop by for his speech.
When the young Zesher stepped on the stage, he noticed just how eager everyone looked to return to their families. Excited to tell them stories of their journey and warm the hearts of those that loss.
In that moment, Ether glanced down at his open palm. The symbol stared up at him, keeping its face covered by vile power. It was beautiful, really. Except for what it could trigger if used.
Danitour crossed his arms, stepping out of the war room. "As promised, a safe return. Victorious Infinus warriors line the outside of our war room to rally their spirits together!"
"Yeah, right. Ahem," Ether fixed his posture. "My warriors! Today we danced atop Digon with sharpened metal and made Terron bite our edge."
Fists flew high into the sky, celebrating the victory over Terron. The warriors cheered, shaking each other's hands and taking off helmets for a better view.
The whole crowd was restless, in a good way. Their cheering attracted the worker Zegi, bringing them closer to the attraction. By the time they settled down, even the workers were listening.
"Not only did we battle Terron into submission, we also gained an ally. The mighty giants on Digon, Frosticus Legion," Ether pointed towards the horizon. "Quill, the secondary leader, sees us as equals!"
Everyone erupted into cheering again, including Danitour. He clapped, keeping a proud smile over his face as the Zegi showed their pride.
"For this, not only did we earn their word in combat. But Quill also gifted me this," Ether lifted the symbol so everyone could see it. "A symbol capable of changing Koroth as we know it."
Warriors fell silent, cheering ceased. Faces twisted in horror and groups displayed their distrust with it. And Ether noticed this, prompting him to put it away.
"There is no reason for us to use it now. Even if the Light Legion is a thorn in my foot, I will not use it unless I feel like we are ready for it. Because I don't think of my gain or relationships when thinking about the Legion. Only what could my Variants gain?"
From the crowd, a warrior waved up at Ether. "Sir - err... Ether, what would we do if another Legion used it against us?"
"Well," Ether awkwardly sighed. "We will... fight back! We are a small but a powerful Legion. We will push forward until we win."
Another warrior rose her hand. "Since you sound so 'nice,' what's the catch?"
"None!" Ether confidently replied. "Me and my two elites serve only to guide during times of conflict. When there's peace, you are all free to live as you wish."
She brought her hand back down, smiling intently after hearing the response. A trooper reached up for her, asking to be carried. In response, she obeyed. Carrying the little one in her arms, happily.
Danitour placed his foot down beside Ether, keeping a proud look in his eyes. "Krugi. (Freedom.)"
Ether turned to face him, bewildered after hearing him speak Icitru. "Sana (What)?"
"Freedom, this city. There's history that comes from the name, Krugi. One that involves Threshers," Danitour added.
"Tell me," Ether instantly replied.
"Roughly a hundred or so years ago, a Yonie by the name of Teeki Odetako convinced his family to start a city right here. You know Yonies are the helpers and the emotional support of the Threshers, so that was unusual," Danitour explained.
A sense of awe crept into Ether's eyes, causing them to faintly sparkle like a fire. He lingered on the Yonie part, enjoying how the little one managed to get enough freedom to do it.
While he listened, Danitour turned to face the Zegi. "One day they encountered some nomads, an army. Instead of turning them away, the Odetako family invited them to stay."
"Everyone inside the city had massive hearts, everyone was welcomed to stay for as long as they pleased. And it remained that way until the Light Legion rose to counter the Breckus Legion."
Ether's trance was broken after hearing their name. A bitter taste went down his throat as Danitour prepared to speak again.
"Breckus demanded we submit to them, but we didn't. Zegi and Yomies alike, we struck with full force. Holding nothing back. I was there during the final assault, one that saw the beginning of their end."
Danitour closed his fists. "By the end, so many of us laid dead. Including Yonies, sending many Yomies to commit Danatado. In response, Yonies starved. Leaving only the Zegi."
He turned to face Ether. "From that day, I swore to resume control and make sure we were free. When we joined, we took a huge risk. But now we know there was none to begin with."
"Please," Danitour brought a hand closer to Ether. "You are worth the leadership in this city of yours."
Ether accepted, giving his ally a firm handshake. "Well, I have something to say."
All Zegi crept closer, keen on listening for what the young one was going to say. Including Danitour, who took a step back so no one could pay attention to him instead of Ether.
"I'm... a half Yonie. A hybrid. Hearing this city's history made me feel better about that side of me, so thank you. This city is ours to keep free, and I promise that wont change under my command."
Danitour smiled. "We all learn something new. I originally believed you were a slightly smaller sixty-year-old trooper."
Zegi whispered to each other, telling their neighbors how fitting it was to have a hybrid leader instead of a pure Zegus. Their interest in Ether skyrocketed, building a closer bond.
"Well, Danitour. Thanks for the lesson, I'll stop by the Armory sometime to help clean out the armors," Ether concluded.
Before he could leave, Danitour placed a hand on his shoulder. "No need to stop by. Rest up."
"They need an extra pair of hands I could offer," Ether joked. "But yeah, thank you."