Instead of bringing Oria to her room, Ether invited her to his. He wanted to make sure she was alright, while also keeping her away from Danitour.
"Hey, I'm sorry about what happened," Ether began.
Oria sat down on the floor, then began remembering the events. "It's okay, I shouldn't have tempted him like that. After what happened earlier, you'll need to earn the trust of your people again."
"Yeah, it'll be difficult. I'll rally everyone to a speech tomorrow morning," Ether pondered. "I'll explain everything to them and allow Danitour to explain his side of the argument."
"But, I don't know why he suddenly attacked me for no reason. It's like he wants me gone. Back when I was badly injured, he never came to check on me. Even after I screamed his name," Oria explained.
Ether sat beside her, making sure to listen to every word she says. "He said something about me not understanding. I want to understand. But I can't if he isn't open about it."
"It's fear, Ether. He's afraid of me, and probably you, after what happened. But why?"
"I have no idea. But I hope he learns to face his fears and see you as an ally. You're my favorite ally so far," Ether admitted.
"How cute. How about your brother?" Oria laughed.
"Jakery's my brother, that's different. He'll forever be my favorite Variant, but you're my favorite ally."
"Why?" Oria asked a difficult question.
Ether scratched his head. "Well, it's because you're a breath of fresh air from all the fighting."
"Well, it's been a long day. I want to sleep. Good night, odi," Oria said between yawns.
"Good night, odi," Ether replied.
He pinched the candle's flame out and stepped away from Oria. Ether wasn't tired, he felt regretful for beating Danitour so badly.
Ether walked up to the open window and poked his head out, allowing the freezing night air to touch him. It felt peaceful and relaxing.
He drifted off to sleep that way.
-The next morning-
Soft chirps woke Ether up. He turned around to see what was making the noise and saw Oria stretching.
He also began to stretch and yawn to wake himself up. It was time for him to apologize for last night's trouble.
When Ether stepped outside, Valentine was the first to confront him about it.
"You shouldn't have done that," he urgently said.
"I know. I'm going to apologize. Why do you sound so urgent?" Ether calmly replied.
"The people are growing in fear now. Danitour explained you're protecting Ferals and many of them disagree with that. Calm them down," Valentine explained.
Ether nodded and made his way to the war room. A crowd formed behind him as he walked, this one felt angry. And he understood why.
"Before you come for my head," Ether started to talk as he walked up the steps. "I wan't to explain and apologize."
They stopped following him and listened intently. All of their anger ceased for a moment out of curiosity.
"Just yesterday, I welcomed the Eterra pack to the Legion. It was a huge victory for us, but now it looks like this became a hindrance instead. Now, I know you all dislike Ferals and the event that happened but -"
"How wise, you're trying to sway my people away from the truth," Danitour interrupted.
"These are our people, Danitour. Allow me to explain my side and I'll let you explain yours in peace," Ether replied.
He shifted his attention back to the crowd in front of him. "Ferals are not bad Variants. Some of you can evolve into Ferals if you're kept in the forests for too long. Do you notice anything?"
Ether walked forward and opened his arms. "Deep down, those Ferals have evolved from us. They faced extinction, so they evolved to have these traits. They may not have the same rules as us. But they are still related to us."
Danitour scoffed at the idea, but he didn't say a thing. He wanted to listen to Ether's side before trying to prove him wrong.
"And because of our goal and position, we need all the help we can get. If you don't like Ferals, do you like Thawed? Don't lie to me, because I saw you all happily hand weapons and armors to them."
No one answered his question.
"Exactly. We are also doing this because our allies need our help. The Light Legion has threatened them, and we want to fight alongside them when the time comes. So please, I beg you all. Cease the hatred, we are one big team."
Ether turned to look at Danitour. His eyes were fixed on the healing wounds on his face.
"And Danitour, please talk to me about your fear of Ferals. I hate hurting my allies, I'm sorry. But please, allow me to help!" Ether sincerely apologized.
"Now, would you like to know my story?" Danitour ignored the apology.
Ether stepped back to allow the crowd to focus on him.
-Several minutes later-
"THE VICIOUS FERAL ATE THE POOR YONIE IN FRONT OF HIS YOMIE!" Danitour screamed.
The memory he shared was difficult to digest, especially for Ether because he was technically also a Yonie. But he still held his ground.
"Hearing what happened to him was horrible, no doubt. But these are not Breckus' Ferals. These are our Ferals. Kellenas showed good manners when he lost, and Oria has been nothing but caring to me," Ether replied.
"Have you not considered the people?" Danitour shot back.
"I haven't no. How about we reintroduce them to Ferals? I can show you they aren't bad when they're tamed. Think of them as Zegus-Stram hybrids. When wild and hungry, they'll eat anything. But when tamed and fed, they are playful and nice."
Danitour laughed. "WHO WANT'S TO SEE MORE DISGUSTING FERALS ROAMING INSIDE KRUGI?!?" he yelled out into the crowd.
Instead of agreeing with him. The crowd seemed more interested in meeting these 'tamed Ferals.'
"Are you seeing this, Danitour? They want to give them a second chance, and that's what I'll give to OUR people," Ether ended the meeting.
He walked down the steps and away from the crowd, leaving Danitour to think of what just happened.