-Two days after Kellenas' return-
Thawed marched in perfect rows across Infinus' outskirts, snow poured onto them as the blizzard relentlessly pressed their temperatures below freezing.
Bringing each one closer to absolute zero, where they wished they'd be. Except for Ether's kids, who enjoyed First Frost from the warmth their father provided using the ignited flames.
As they marched, the little ones hurried through the blank world. Crossing the snow-ridden roads, listening to the crunch of their boots as they stumbled through.
Bright orange flames swirled in the skies like beacons guiding the lost to the safe harbor of the Armory. Where the family intended to meet.
When they reached the center metal shop, Azir instantly wrapped his warm arms around Etherna. She instantly protested against it by pushing her sibling away. Which encouraged him.
Hylo hid behind her father, keeping an eye around his leg to see the new faces. Many Ferals and Zegi, most of which came from the higher ranks inside Infinus, huddled around the many fires.
In the crowd, she recognized one of the faces. Fires popped in the background as Krim smiled while holding his partner in his arms. They pressed their foreheads together, feeling the unity.
"Ether," Hylo whispered, barely loud enough for him to notice. "Aren't Feral packs led by an alpha couple?"
Ether picked young Hylo up. "Oh, you mean the lack of a female? Not every pack is ruled the same way."
Krim noticed the distant group, he waved them over. Keeping his feverish smile taped to his face as the fires lit up his back. The mutated orange spots on his hair reflected his warmth.
The alpha's partner smiled with him, both keeping the same kind of energy to their looks. Hylo was frightened to get caught in his gaze. She knew Krim, but not his partner.
"First Frost is here!" Krim cheered. "I heard you prepared some Eteni meat, and also heard from a little Feral you made them good. Oria, you remember her?"
Memories of his earlier days in the Legion sprouted like flowers in his mind, he wished those days were still with them. But so much has changed since the war.
"She was one of a kind. The only Feral I'd take a knife for," Ether replied with a sincere smile. "She was not bad looking either."
Ikem, Krim's partner, laughed to that. "You never realize how good someone looks until it is too late. Now you have a family, a fine one, too. Little girl's name is Hylo, right?"
Hylo flinched at the mention of her name, she was unaware of how odd it would sound from the voice of a Feral. It sounded higher-pitched, almost like someone ran a blade through metal.
Her eyes blinked repeatedly as Ikem patted her tiny head with his gigantic hand, which looked like could hold several of her inside. She wondered if it would even be possible.
"You're the one with the hardy heart! I can tell you'll follow your father's steps someday, become heir to the Legion and claim the entire continent," Krim joked.
Ether hugged his daughter tighter. "I am doing the best of my ability to raise her into that position that she wants. Decka, Valentine, and I have been making sure of it."
Before anyone else could respond, the fires roared. Fighting back the sudden cold air that came from the open door. Several more Ferals entered, six of which looked around in awe.
They looked towards the ceiling, noticing marble dividing the building into smaller sections. Which was emotionlessly sitting there as the flames crackled and danced over it. Casting shadows.
Many Variants laughed and joked, keeping their spirits high and hope for the incoming conflict even higher. They lined the walls, resting on chairs that stood around tables waiting for meals to pop up over them.
Enoptes stepped out from the crowd, laughing and waving his arms around to greet the visitors. Kellenas and his six visitors arrived all at once, making the room feel even smaller.
"I do not mean to be rude, but w'ere is t'e decoration area?" Feymor asked to the leader.
He pointed at some stairs behind the counter that sat in the back of the room. Zenam followed her to the back, cooing like normal.
As they made their way through the crowd, Feymor caught a glimpse of Ether. She stopped next to him, keeping her head keen on the major size difference between her and the leader.
"You are so tiny!" Feymor abruptly said. "So - so small and adorable, like a real Yonie! And your little one, 'i!"
Ether and Hylo awkwardly stared up at the sudden visitor, who smiled down at them. They exchanged looks before Ether smiled in return, keeping the warmth in his posture.
"Feymor, right? It's difficult to forget such an iconic voice. Welcome to First Frost," Ether geeted.
Zenam butted her head against Feymor's back, slowly but surely forcing her to continue moving. "Yeah, yeah. He's cute this, she's adorable that. What happened to making something for our alphas?"
Like a splash of cold water, Feymor jumped up. Perking her entire back into its usual straightened position, she hurried past the group to reach the stairs.
It felt awkward being there, in a room full of Variants they did not know. But every Scaler went in with the promise of experiencing something new. A type of culture their people could adopt.
Even if it was not related to snow, they wanted to figure out Imbushko a little better. And it all began with the armors.
The product of three Legions coming together to form one, Infinus, their cultures mixed in to form what they were now. Warriors, nurturers, and stylist war-fighters.
However, Feymor did not want these stories for her alphas. She wanted to bring back something to show she was interacting with others.
A sign of hope for her to grow even after her traumatic upbringing in her home.