The doors to the door room swung open. Making a heavy thump once they closed behind the two Variants walking inside. Pearl placed Ether's hand on the unfolded map spread on the table.
Small wooden figures replaced the drawings he made. Each one told their purpose from their position. Everything seemed unchanged. Except for several icons behind Frosticus.
Each one was above a Sky Beast's beak, trying to convey the idea of several Thawed placed overhead. Black charcoal directed arrows and wrote characters in Bakano, further explaining each step.
Instructions, illustrations, and backup plans. Everything was thoroughly explained. Ether placed his other hand on the map, it amazed him. Pearl smiled.
His eyes drifted to the foot of the mountain. Where several forces were going to attack from. Valentine, Suth, Hizentre, Pearl, him, and Risk were all going to combat from the front.
To the sides of the mountain were different symbols. Ophus would rally their forces up the right side of the mountain towards victory. Bellies fat with courage and minds sharpened like the tip of an arrow.
Encur would conquer the left side of the mountain. Fashionable figures represented their elites. Each one backed up by a Cemtras' closed hand, an arrow, and shields.
As Ether read the instructions, his heart was filled with joy and pride. He wanted to meet whoever made this map, just to thank them for their effort while he was away.
"Who made this?"
Pearl hugged Ether. "It was me. I made it, so you could see it when you woke up."
In response, he placed his hands on her arms. Giving into her loving embrace as the two stood together, bonded by their experiences together.
"Since I was gone for so long. How are the Eterra Ferals?"
"You knew what I was going to say next, didn't you?" Pearl's warm voice replied. "Kellenas said the fight ends soon."
Ether slightly smiled. "Judging by who that man is, I can tell that fight only ends when he finds his mate and the rest of his kids."
"He's just like you. I'm lucky find someone so committed to this. But why are you like that?"
That question lingered in the air. Like dust in a stale room. Not because it was a tough question to answer. But because he wanted to answer is perfectly.
With every reason he thought of, several others grew out of it. So he picked each response apart, taking their gist and threading it into a new one.
"I'm half Yonie, I care for everything. Seeing a shard of myself staring up at me with two big eyes is something I would forever cherish. Because it meant I found someone who accepted me. Enough to want kids," Ether replied.
Hearing his response warmed her cold heart. She knew Ether was very fatherly, playful, and caring. The three traits she wanted in a partner. Even if that partner was not a Thawed like her.
The door silently closed behind a new visitor. She stood across from the couple, who held each other tight. Happy to be reunited after so long.
Oria hugged herself, trying to boost her confidence while in their presence. But that only made her feel even lonelier. She had her own reasons for feeling that way.
Not just because someone else took the Zesher that cared for her away, but also because many of her friends were injured during the attack. Some even killed.
Just as she considered to leave, Ether caught wind of her. Pearl stepped aside, letting Ether see his good friend Oria. But her arms remained on him, wanting to make it clear they were together.
"Hey, Oria, it has been a bit since I've last seen you. How's everything?"
She sighed, mentally preparing herself for an awkward conversation. "Err... better than that dark morning in Etek Dur. Koroth goes by fast, as you can tell. It was only yesterday I held your brother in my arms and helped carry you onto a bed."
"You remember? I looked so defeated that day, no doubt. And you looked so hungry that day, I actually thought you were going to eat me," Ether commented.
Oria chuckled, trying to play it off. Although it was difficult to not look awkward when Pearl's eyes were silently judging. They took her apart and studied every spec of her body.
From the animal hide that covered her parts, to the exposed skin. Even the eyes, hair, and teeth. Down to the hidden murder weapons that were tucked away under her nails.
She quivered, feeling weak under the sight of a much better Variant. Which made her feel helpless, but she couldn't tell why.
"Yeah, I guess. So, to get this over with. Kellenas sent me back to tell you about the progress. And they have located Dire. A full on Wild Hunt is out for his head. No escaping Etek Dur for him," Oria notified.
Pearl and Ether glanced at each other. A slight grin lit up on their faces, showing just how much this would mean to them if Kellenas successfully defeated Dire.
But they knew it was wiser to hold off on the celebration until they have a successful triumph over Light. One that showed it was Infinus' turn to shift the tides.
"Do they need help?" Ether replied.
Oria shook her head. "Encur and Ophus Ferals have been applying some much needed pressure. Speaking of which, Ophus triumphed over Light during their fights."
Pearl pleasantly nodded. "I knew having them out there was a good idea. Now let's hope their next phase is enough to bring the Light Legion down to their knees in the eastern side of Imbushko."
Ether looked up at Pearl. "You did this?"
"I took care of this Legion like you did," Pearl warmly replied.
Unknowingly discouraging Ether as a leader. His head drifted down to see Oria once more, trying to get his mind off it. But he couldn't.
"You look like you're a better leader than I am. You can take complete control of the Legion if you want," Ether admitted.
Oria looked surprised, so did Pearl. The two agreed this wasn't like him. In fact, they were expecting him to start congratulating Pearl instead of admitting something like that.
"Hey, hey, don't say stuff like that. Your people want you to guide them, myself included. Unlike you, I am more fit to be led instead of leading," Pearl tried to calm Ether.
She didn't realize Ether's eyes drifting down to the floor. Which was followed by the rest of the head, making it clear he wasn't in a good position.
Oria took a few steps closer, bowing her head as she walked. "Your partner has a point. In a way, you're the nicest leader I've ever had. Such a good friend too."
Pearl hugged Ether tighter, giving him a kiss on the back of the head. "Oria has a point. You were so kind when I arrived, and so understanding fo my situation. I love you for it. Keep your place."
Dread and question crept into his mind. Despite the amount of support he was getting, it still didn't feel like he was fit to be a leader. How far can a kind leader bring his people if he isn't good enough?
Maybe that's what 'Purple Heart' was saying about his future. Everything had to change if it wanted to survive, especially Infinus if it wanted to withstand the final sieges.
It all rushed into him, overwhelming his senses and saddening him to a degree he wasn't in since the day he lost Solice. But it wasn't enough to make a tear roll out his eye.
Which felt odd. Not because he wasn't weeping, but because he felt like he didn't need to. Despite feeling like a clear hit to the ego, he didn't feel the urge to breakdown.
Instead, he allowed his overgrown hair to fall over his eyes and cover most of his face. Hiding his shame from Pearl and Oria.
"Ethie? You don't need to feel sad. Not when so many people adore you already," Pearl tried to sooth him.
"You made a better plan than I did and brought Ophus through their victory against a full force Legion while I was asleep. If that's all I am useful for then you deserve the position," Ether refused.
Oria got closer. Before reaching them, she glanced up at Pearl, who had their eyes fixed on her mate. Realizing it was her chance to feel the soft skin of a Thresher again, she took the opportunity.
Her hands lifted up his hair to reveal the hiding Zesher. "Look at you. Barely changed since I've met you. So soft and caring. You're a leader, the thing is you're refusing to lead."
Pearl nodded. "Lead us. Chin up and eyes even higher. I drafted the plan, you're going to direct it. And remember, it was your order that led to Kellenas' Wild Hunt."
Ether sighed. "I guess. Yeah, you're right. So, what do you want me to do?"