(Short author's note: this chapter is to wrap some stuff up. No actual story/structure to this.)
After the Light Legion's defeat, the word spread quickly to the remaining bases and outposts who still dawned the winged shield. From the news, confusion rose.
Some wanted to venture out into Yarno. To take in the land and it's Variants like a visitor instead of an invader. Others wanted to remain in Imbushko, bowing to their own respective groups or Infinus.
For those who chose to join the new dominant Legion, they were welcomed with open arms. Jakery and Hazen helped establish them into new homes and provide the resources they needed.
During their services, the duo learned a lot about each other. Sparking a deep interest between the two. For Jakery, it was her backstory. How she came to be and who she was.
But for Hazen, it was different. She searched for comfort, hoping to suppress her father's memory. So she turned to Jakery as a source of said comfort. Bringing the two closer together than they realized.
However, Hazen realized her time away from Metrivious was not over. In fact, it was far from over. The Sainted Three still remain standing, and she still has not found the Deviled Kin.
No matter how many times she discussed this with other Thawed, they couldn't give her an exact answer to who these six Variants were. In her mind, the Sainted Three were the Coros siblings and the Deviled Kin was the Light leaders.
A thought that has since been shattered by the realization. Despite her setback, it gave her a reason to engage with the others more. Showing a tender side of herself to Jakery. Who promptly fell for her.
When Ether caught onto this, he felt happier than ever for his youngest brother. Hugging him tight as a congratulations, and allowing him to name his first child.
Jakery accepted this offer. He quickly thought up of the name 'Etherna' if it was a girl or 'Azir' if it was a boy. Which helped get Ether and Pearl excited for their incoming baby.
Behind closed doors, Jakery pleaded Valentine to educate Hazen the same way he educated him before. An offer Valentine accepted because he wanted to help out every way he could.
Far above ground level, Suth and her Thawed rebuilt the citadel. Tragic periods in their history became memories instead of living reminders of their existence.
It was a restart, one Frosticus hoped for. To celebrate the news of Pearl being an expecting mother, Suth led an expedition to Victory Breach, placing three candles for the mother, father, and baby.
As for Eterra and the other Feral packs. They continued to thrive peacefully alongside each other. Not fearing their neighbors, but finding great bonds with them instead.
This was something all alphas treasured. Each one being able to travel into other packs freely, exchanging resources and coming together later that summer for Tonumki.
But for their ups, others had their downs. A masked stranger missing an ear traveled through Imbushko, treading carelessly around the land. Until he reached Yarno.
Where he took off his mask to view the sunrise in its fully beauty. Danitour glanced over his shoulder, looking back at the dreadful life he left behind. He took a deep breath, then stepped forward.
Officially landing in Yarno, where he would forge his future away from the Infinus Legion. However, he was completely unaware he left a shadow behind.
It twitched as it stood beside an entity, they stood beside each other as the original left them. Demon grew in strength, allowing him to make his own pocket-world.
This world was designed for himself and his own experiments. Which the Nine were capable of observing as well. In there, Demon created the first Iron Maiden and Butler.
Two creations designed to aid him in his future plans. Although there were two, the Iron Butler needed its host dead. When Demon gave him permission, he went after his original.
Appearing right in Yarno where all new dangers were. Tucked away from the eyes of all Imbushko faces.
While the Iron Maiden and Demon watched from afar, they noticed something. Syndicate Dust formed a message before their eyes.
[To my dearest of monsters,
I write to you today regarding your involvement with the corruption. You may not remember who I am, but I certainly remember you. If you want a hint, look through the glass.
But enough idle chatter, let's discuss the real reason why I'm here. You see, I have been hunting Variants like you since I was created oh so long ago.
The Nine didn't give me this purpose, I gave myself this purpose. I am not a Servant, I am of free Will. Who I injure is for a reason. After all, I don't step out of my realm unless I need to.
So listen to me. This is the last time I warn you and your siblings about this. If you three don't stop with the Syndicate Dust manipulation, I will take you three out.
Next time you three need a reminder, I will swing by with just a little aggression. But don't be encouraged, as you progress I will get rougher.
Maybe that did not threaten you, because I know how calm you are beneath that veil of dust. Hiding you away from the rest of the world. But how about this:
If you continue without heeding my warning. I will expose you. All Servants and the Nine would become aware of your plots. Don't think I can't see what your corrupted mind is thinking of.
That's enough for me.
Best wishes,
- Yulfinmier]
The Iron Maiden slowly turned to face her master. Metal weighed her body down as she moved.
Demon shook his head. "We have a long way to go. Are you ready for the waiting game, Iron Maiden?"