-Three days later-
Hundreds of warriors who stem from all separate Infinus sub-branches came together. Elites met with the leaders. Fighter met with workers.
Together, they rest in silence. Holding tight the memory of every single fallen warrior. Both Infinus and Light alike.
Many elites were questioning why Light should be remembered. To that, Ether said those same warriors would have fallen if they dawned black and blue.
In the battlefield, there is no equal. Everyone had survival embedded deep in their minds with red hot metal rods. The only time where equals were truly equal was when moments of peace take up hearts.
This was one of those moments. Reveria hugged Ukaley tight, keeping her comfort while they honored. Members of Encur also bowed to the flames.
Forgotten days of conflict between allied groups and independent survivors burned away with the flames. After their triumph over Light, it was clear to them all.
Encur blood was not meant to be spilled by Ophus weaponry. Just as Ophus metal was not meant to be battered by Encur punishment. This was their new era.
Hedix, along with Decka and Quinn, watched from afar. Their bodies waved with the winds. While the couple was enjoying the scenery, the sole researcher felt numb.
No sorrow for those that went down. Not even any pride for their victory. There was only emptiness with a touch of curiosity.
Out of respect, Risk willingly departed to his pack. Not wanting to ruin the moment for everyone attended.
Families mourned those they've lost. Swearing to keep their memories tight in their hearts. Tears contested rain for what would wet their faces.
Krugi was still. Like a dormant volcano, it was inactive for the time being. It wasn't all tears, however. Some families laughed with each other.
Celebrating the lives of their members. So every single dropped corpse would notice them being remembered.
Rain continued to pour, carelessly making Zegi and Ferals uncomfortable. But easing the blue hearts of every Thawed.
Suth returned, followed by Valentine and several other Thawed figures. They were there to give their thanks to Infinus, to Ophus, to Encur. Each group put their lives at stake when the first arrows took flight.
Despite that, they continued to beat down the former stronghold with fury and passionate hatred. Many fell, but those many were relentless. Not stopping their fight until movement was not an option.
Variants came closer together. Shielding those around them from the cold temperatures. From their huddles, some locked eyes with others. Early signs of relationships formed.
Each Variant kept in mind, this was their first of three days dedicated to Digon's Triumph. Lightning lit the dark skies in a lavish blue. To the Thawed, this was the Nine celebrating with them.
Boots and bare feet sunk deeper into the mud. Causing many to collapse. Imbushko continued to strike them with thunder and rain. Increasing in intensity by the hour.
Spring was here. The time for Threshers to find mates. But also the time where regions began to experience difficulties regarding too much water. Often chasing away prey for Ferals to hunt.
It was there, in his downed position and burdened mental cage, was where Ether thought. Deep beneath his soaked hair. The young Zesher felt the dying breaths of his 'young' title.
The heavy downpour withered away his shell. Experiences during that stage of life were almost over. It was approaching his final weeks until complete maturation.
Both external and internal.
Flashbacks of different dreams he had came back. The nightmares, followed by the odd fantasies. Stumbling upon an older version of himself before being thrown out.
As seconds slipped by like particles of sand through fingers, he knew time was going by fast. It was only a matter of time until he found out if that dream had any depth.
Pearl placed baby Orako on Ether's back. "He wanted to be with you."
"Ehkoob! Ehoo!" Orako tried to speak Icitru.
In response, Ether reached up and held his hands. The tender love he once saved for Jakery alone began reviving itself. Being a father wasn't what he expected once he sunset.
But it was a welcomed alternative. He liked being a father. Holding Orako in his arms while whispering sweet words into Pearl's ears filled his heart.
"He is growing up very fast," Pearl commented.
Ether nodded. Keeping his slight smile. He had lost so much in his journey to where he stood. Losing parental figures to unknown forces, down to losing a sibling, before the redemption.
The sieges where he howled entire cities to dust was where Ether broke apart from his alternative being. During crumbling legacies was where Ether was truly Ether.
Inside of Krugi. While two arms are wrapped around him, he is Shora. The loving Yonie his mother raised. Lya perfected his heart, Solice crafted his body into a mold.
"Look at what's happening around us," Ether's voice began to crumble. "It's our home, Pearl, Orako. The home we belong to."
"Yes, the one you made. You brought that alpha down, you took out outposts and bases. All I've ever done until recently was aid Suth," Pearl complimented.
Being complimented felt shameful. In his mind, he wanted to be the lowly rule follower he originally wanted to be. A clueless mind in a sea of brave combatants.
Although he was getting closer to that goal, he still had to deal with good things being said about him. When others called him sir, he bowed and showed his submission.
Hoping to make everyone view him as a lesser rather than a powerful dominant. Ether remained silent. His smile was still firm. Orako rested his tiny head beside his father's.
"Neddy, will I ever fight like this?"
"No. You'll fight better. Other packs will tell stories of your name. They will say, 'Orako was brave. Orako was powerful. Orako was the pinnacle of our species,'" Ether warmly replied.
In response, baby Orako chirped. He hugged Ether tighter as a thank you. Pearl joined in. She admired the tender words her partner spoke.
Hazen pulled Ether away from his family. She brought him into a completely empty room inside his mind. In there, she appeared in her casual attire.
No armor, weapons. Just her basic clothes and a thankful smile. She appeared to hold a note in her hand.
"Little you. How far you and I have come! It felt like it was yesterday when you and my father met. He nearly took your head off, no doubt. But then here you are... wow," Hazen said.
Ether looked down at himself. "I guess. This feels surreal, in all honesty. Have you ever felt something like this?"
"All I feel are emotions from the many stories I draft up in my mind. You know, you have a creative skull as well. Do you share these stories with others?"
"You listen to my idle mental chatter?" Ether's embarrassed voice kicked up. "Why, Hazen? Why?"
In response, she shrugged. "Can't blame one for being interested in stories of action, adventure, and the rare few erotic thoughts you get. Oh, speaking of!"
She reached out her hand. "Here, take it."
The blank piece of paper crept closer to his hand. Which reluctantly reached out for it. A pulse of cold air passed through his body.
"Read it. I've put a lot of effort into it and hope you like it," Hazen concluded.
Ether turned the note around to read what it said:
***
Born inside a furnace of ever twisting fires. He never ceases his burn. In the left-hand rests the cold hand of a lover, in the other rests the warm hand of a caretaker.
They speak to him in voices sweet like a melody on repeat. Drifting the blazes to sleep. Only to engulf all of Imbushko the dawning day.
He who stands below all else is mighty. They who look down upon the world are feeble. From charred frames to charred frames. May a fiery passion never die out.
***
"Thank you very much," Ether truthfully replied.
Hazen gave him a thumbs up. "You're an icon of inspiration to me. A distant father away from my own. Enjoy your celebrations, you deserve it."
Just as their mental ties began to break. Ether begged for her to stop. He wanted to say one last thing before she left.
"Tell Hizentre I am proud of you. You're a sweet one, you really are. Wish I had a daughter like you."
A tear built up inside Hazen's eye. "T - thank you so much."
With that conclusion, Ether snapped back into the real world. He realized just how powerful the rain became while he was absent. Many Variants moved away under roofs.
Some invited strangers inside for a nice meal, maybe to stay until the storm was over. Krugi was becoming a symbol of unity for the entire Legion. Where Variants from all backgrounds could come together.
Orako tried his best roars to attract his father's attention. Which worked. Ether fought his boots out of the mud, before turning his attention to his family.
There was another smile. This one was bigger than the last. With every rainstorm, the future got closer and closer. He didn't know what was coming next.
Which filled his heart with even more courage.