-Inside the Light Legion's walls-
As the storm raged on, Kas stood in the rain. He ignored the unsoothing cold as he continued to hack away at the pieces of Yinmar meat.
Wet footsteps paced the yard while he was busy, instantly turning on his defensive senses.
Kas waited for them to get right behind him before launching his attack. When they did, he jumped onto the tree stump he used as a table and back flipped over the incoming visitor.
His arms caught them by the neck, forcing them to hand over all control of their body to Kas due to their position. At least if they wanted to keep balance.
"Hey, hey, sir. It's us, your warriors," one visitor quickly mentioned.
Kas lifted the unlucky Variant back up and allowed them to walk back to their group. "What are you four doing here?"
Talis, Cerus, Menkas, and Verick all stood across from Kas. Each one wore leather black coats made to ward off the weather.
"Since our turn to strike is coming up, we want to make our threat known. Allow us to command a small branch of the Legion. We can handle Imbushko while you handle Yarno," Verick asked.
"I trust you with your men, but can I trust the other two?" Kas turned to look at Cerus and Menkas. "I know Talis is a true fighting force, but how do I know these two are on par?"
Cerus rubbed his neck, trying to sooth the feeling of getting his neck almost crushed by Kas' muscles. "In all honesty, I am not a perfect fighter. But I am willing to allow Talis and Verick control over us while we lead smaller groups."
"Kas, you don't remember me?" Menkas wondered. "I am Sole Sibling, the one you sent out to take out Ophus Legion's nearby outposts and forts."
"And control the same stronghold that was promptly shut down by the Infinus Legion?" Kas snapped back.
Talis grinned. "We have a plan, do not worry. Starting with the champion stand-off, we will terminate their armies one by one. We will reclaim the coast and liberate Imbushko of all threats."
Before allowing anyone else to speak, he stepped aside and pointed at the corner of the house. A figure wearing a mysterious mask and salvaged armor leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Meet our new friend," Talis said with a large smile.
They walked forward, allowing Kas to better study them. He noticed something was off about the side of their head. An ear was missing and there was remains of blood splats around that space.
"Greetings, Kas," they said. "Before you ask, I don't have a name. Only information. The Infinus Legion's heart is located at the city of Krugi. The same one this Legion defended all those years ago."
They continued to get closer to Kas, arms still crossed. "As you may already know, your former elites are now with them. If you want to take one out easily, Risk is your target. He and his pack guard the coast."
Kas stared at them with a strong look of suspicion. "How do I know you're not fabricating truth?"
"Ask Trijunn, he will confirm it. I went out to the coast in search for the missing Wild Hunt Ferals and saw his pack out there," Talis supported. "All we need is a full on assault pushing them towards the water."
"Which is where I hope our champion bout will take place," Verick added.
Kas directed his eerie yellow eyes at him. "Their champion and an army will follow behind, defeating the point of overwhelming the forces already there."
"Ether would undoubtedly take part in this... 'champion bout' you're looking to start,'" the stranger commented.
The name caused the mysterious visitor to become the center of attention.
"He is dead, is he not?" Verick asked in disbelief.
And to their shock, the stranger shook his head. "That Zesher is very much alive. He is probably doing better than he has ever been, which is why I say attack the heart of their Legion right away. That is where he is located."
Kas glared at Talis. "Perhaps you didn't finish him off properly. Next time someone encounters him, make sure to rip off that little bastard's head and bring it to me."
Talis nodded. "Got it, sir. Although I have a better alternative. We can gather up their elites, champion, and leaders during the confrontation and slaughter them all there. Then their people will bow to us."
Cerus agreed. "Imagine how much easier taking over Yarno's territory would be if we could send them in as scouts and see what dangers lay ahead."
A sudden flash of lightning lit up the skies above them. Light reflected off Kas' broad shoulders and perfectly tuned muscles as he pondered what their next step should be.
"Verick, I promote you to Predator. Congratulations, boy, you're the first in this Legion. And Talis..." his eyes landed on him. "You will take his position as champion. Although you won't be the one fighting during the conflict."
Talis seemed shock at the sudden false promotion. His face went from ashamed to confused and embarrassed.
"Why? I want to see what their pathetic elites are capable of -"
"You hold your tongue," Kas pointed at him with his index and middle finger. "Claiming the death of a Variant only for them to survive and ruse the leaders isn't what I hoped for in a warrior."
Verick placed his hand on Talis' shoulder. "You're underestimating the ones that betrayed us, Talis. Decka would cut your stomach open, Quinn would force a beast to devour you, Hedix would mentally screw you over, and Risk would tear your limbs off."
Talis smirked. "I captured Quinn back at the farm, Decka took off crying. He had to return with reinforcements to take back his lover. And he didn't even fight me, only ran in and took Quinn, then left."
"Now that you've lied to us once, I have no reason to take your word as truth," Kas snapped back at his claim.
Cerus stepped forward, closer to Kas. "Will Sole Sibling and I be under their command?"
"Do not ask me, ask the Predator," he gestured at Verick. "He'll be the one picking names and groups to outfit his crusade against Imbushko."
Kas turned around to continue his chopping. The butcher knife he used to cut the tough fur got to work once again, leaving the visitors in silence.
Everyone walked away from Kas, leaving their leader alone. As they walked back on to the roads of outside his home, they began talking again.
"Selecting groups and tames tomorrow, preparation in two days, inspections in eight, message sent in nine, and the actual battle in ten days. Any better ideas?" Verick drafted out loud.
Cerus kicked up rainwater as he walked with the group. "That is so little time, do you think we will be able to gear up before it happens?"
Verick rose his hand in front of Cerus. "Stop thinking so far ahead. Only half of their forces are strong enough to combat me. And to a degree, I want to choose Decka as my opponent."
Talis looked over his shoulder to see Verick's expression. "Why him? He'll be easy."
While waiting for a response, he noticed the stranger stayed back. He looked up at the clouds while rain poured on to his mask.
"Better question, what's up with that stranger?" Talis asked the group.
Cerus turned to look at what his ally was talking about. "Judging by his appearance and the intel he holds, I can guess he was probably in a heated encounter with the Legion."
"Verick, I want to fight during this conflict. That Legion is responsible for the death of my siblings. Taking most of their warriors down will satisfy my thirst," Menkas begged.
And Verick obliged. "You have a good reason for being there. Being attacked by a Distorted simply because one Legion isn't strong enough to continue fights they started is cowardice. You deserve the ability to carry out justice for them."
A cold shiver went down his spine. Not because he was disturbed or scared, but because he finally was getting what he has been dreaming about since the day his brothers died.
"Okay, before we head our separate directions. We'll meet again tomorrow afternoon at the barracks. Talis, tell Trijunn he is invited to the conflict. We are not letting the Infinus Legion handle another victory," Verick ordered.
He stopped walking, then turned around to face his group. "And you, Cerus, I suggest you go with Menkas to make sure you both have your coolers near absolute zero. There are maps of the coast in Alise's personal library, you have my permission to go there and get one."
Menkas began walking away from the group. He was too keen on delivering justice to hear what Verick was going to ask of him next.
"There he goes. Meet him at his house with the map. You can modify it and plot out different ways to take the advantage of this battle," Verick concluded.
Cerus gave a thumbs up then began crossing the road to the direction of the library. Now with the ability to sketch a plan and the ability to prove himself worthier than Talis, he wanted to not spoil it.
Verick walked away, leaving Talis alone in the rain.
It was the final storm before the bigger, stronger, storm brewed at the coast. Between rival Legions and the destiny of Imbushko.